Removal instructions for IndexerAdmin adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is IndexerAdmin?
Our research team found the IndexerAdmin application during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this app, we determined that it is adware. IndexerAdmin is part of the AdLoad malware family.
IndexerAdmin adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces.
Keep in mind that specific conditions may be necessary for this software to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if IndexerAdmin does not display advertisements – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user privacy.
Adware-delivered adverts can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations. Note that any genuine content encountered through these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers seeking to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing its affiliate programs.
Additionally, AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking abilities. However, we did not observe these functionalities while testing IndexerAdmin.
Furthermore, adware typically has data-tracking abilities. Hence, IndexerAdmin might target browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, or other sensitive information. It can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like IndexerAdmin on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by IndexerAdmin |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.29), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.g), 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
MetroBrowser, IndexerTask, DynamicPositive, and SyncProcess are just some examples of adware we have investigated recently.
Software within this category usually appears legitimate and innocuous. It may offer a wide variety of "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software works as advertised – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.
How did IndexerAdmin install on my computer?
Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking promotional and scam webpages. Most users access these sites via redirects caused by intrusive ads, pages utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with webpage force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – however, they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with IndexerAdmin, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once IndexerAdmin adware's installation is over:
IndexerAdmin 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
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is IndexerAdmin?
- STEP 1. Remove IndexerAdmin related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove IndexerAdmin ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove IndexerAdmin adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove IndexerAdmin ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
IndexerAdmin adware removal:
Remove IndexerAdmin-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-displayed adverts can endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The software's presence on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It can also have data-tracking functionalities – hence, adware is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays advertisements on various interfaces. Additionally, some types can cause redirects and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue via content promotion. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove IndexerAdmin adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, various leftovers (files) can remain hidden within the system – after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to thoroughly eliminate advertising-supported software.
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