How to eliminate the ClientGuide adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ClientGuide?
While reviewing new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered the ClientGuide application. Upon closer investigation, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. ClientGuide is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and potentially harmful advertisements.
ClientGuide adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It usually operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, pop-ups, coupons, banners, etc.) on various interfaces.
Keep in mind that specific conditions may be required for adware to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if ClientGuide does not deliver advertisements – it threatens device and user safety.
Adware-displayed adverts can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Remember that while legitimate products or services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. This promotion is most likely undertaken by scammers who are motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.
Although AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities, the ClientGuide adware did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.
Additionally, advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to ClientGuide. Software within this classification tends to target browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like ClientGuide on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ClientGuide |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to Adload malware family. |
| Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Adware examples
DiscoveryExemplary, DeviceMode, RecordKey, and ConfigBalance are just some of our newest articles on adware-type apps. Advertising-supported software rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and harmless. Users may be lured into downloading/installing it by promises of various "advantageous" functionalities.
However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ClientGuide install on my computer?
Adware is endorsed by legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam websites. They are predominantly accessed through redirects generated by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of inadvertently permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware is spread by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software and download it only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, we recommend studying terms and available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary applications, extensions, tools, features, etc.
We also advise exercising caution when browsing, as fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect apps and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ClientGuide, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ClientGuide adware's installation is over:
ClientGuide adware's installation folder:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
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Quick menu:
- What is ClientGuide?
- STEP 1. Remove ClientGuide related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ClientGuide ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ClientGuide adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ClientGuide ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ClientGuide adware using Combo Cleaner:
ClientGuide adware removal:
Remove ClientGuide-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash.
After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove adware-related files and folders
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:
In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/
In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Significant threats are posed by the content promoted through adware-displayed ads (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, advertising-supported software is classified as a privacy threat since it typically has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to place third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of force-opening websites and gathering sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by endorsing various sites, applications, browser extensions, products, and other content. Its developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ClientGuide adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type apps that are installed. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be ideal. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file remnants can stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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