How to eliminate the StationSure adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is StationSure?
Our researchers discovered the StationSure adware-type app while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal website. This application is part of the AdLoad malware family. StationSure is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns.
StationSure adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) promotes online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Note that while genuine products/services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Adware might need certain conditions to deliver intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if StationSure does not display ads – the app remains a threat to device/user safety.
While we have found many AdLoad adware-type apps with browser-hijacking traits, we did not observe these functionalities while testing StationSure.
What is more, StationSure might have data-trucking abilities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, software like StationSure may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by StationSure |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), 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
We have examined thousands of adware samples; ClientGuide, DiscoveryExemplary, and RecordKey are just a couple of our newest articles.
This software looks legitimate and innocuous. It can also offer a broad range of useful functionalities. These functions are usually fake since their only purpose is to lure users into downloading/installing the adware. However, it must be mentioned that operational features do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did StationSure install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to proliferate adware. Downloading from freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, and other dubious sources – poses a threat of bundled content infiltrating the system. This risk is compounded by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Furthermore, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional webpages and scam sites. These pages are most commonly accessed via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and trustworthy channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, investigating available options, using the "Custom/Advance" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, etc.).
We also advise caution when browsing since fake and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with adverts and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with StationSure, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once StationSure adware's installation is over:
StationSure 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 StationSure?
- STEP 1. Remove StationSure related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove StationSure ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove StationSure adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove StationSure ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove StationSure adware using Combo Cleaner:
StationSure adware removal:
Remove StationSure-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-delivered ads may promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It typically has data-tracking abilities – therefore, adware is categorized as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising, and the software achieves this by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. Adware's primary functions can include enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces, force-opening webpages, and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by promoting various websites, software, products, services, etc. The majority of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove StationSure adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) stay hidden within the system. These remnants may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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