How to eliminate the SystemLocator adware and the adverts it delivers

What kind of application is SystemLocator?

Our research team discovered SystemLocator while checking out new submissions to the VirusTotal site. After analyzing this application, it became clear that SystemLocator is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to feed users with unwanted and potentially harmful advertisements.

SystemLocator adware overview

Adware aims to generate revenue for its developers. This is typically achieved by displaying ads (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, banners, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software might not operate as intended if certain conditions are unsuitable, such as an incompatible browser or system, specific sites not visited, and so on. However, even if SystemLocator does not deliver adverts – it remains a threat to device/user safety.

Advertisements displayed by this software can promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous programs, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

While genuine products or services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed by any official parties. This endorsement is likely undertaken by scammers motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the promoted content's affiliate programs.

AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking abilities – however, SystemLocator did not exhibit these qualities during testing.

SystemLocator might have data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for adware. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. This valuable information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, advertising-supported software like SystemLocator may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by SystemLocator
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.5), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware examples

ServiceCreations, HelperView, CyclePanel, DiscoveryAdmin, and DefaultView are merely a few examples of adware-type apps we have analyzed.

Software within this classification rarely appears suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and harmless. Adware can also offer a broad range of "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, these functionalities are usually fake and nonoperational; their purpose is to serve as bait that tricks users into downloading/installing the software.

Note that even if an application or a browser extension works as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did SystemLocator install on my computer?

Adware is endorsed on various webpages, including the following types – promotional, scam, freeware, free file-hosting, third-party, etc. Most visitors enter these sites via redirects generated by intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Software within this classification can also be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., suspicious sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.

Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.

We also advise vigilance while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect users to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SystemLocator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once SystemLocator adware's installation is over:

SystemLocator 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 SystemLocator?
• STEP 1. Remove SystemLocator related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove SystemLocator ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove SystemLocator adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove SystemLocator ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove SystemLocator adware using Combo Cleaner:

SystemLocator adware removal:

Remove SystemLocator-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 may endorse content that can cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Advertising-supported software can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware is considered a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware generates revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted/malicious ads. The software's primary functions can include displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces, force-opening sites, and gathering private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue predominantly through affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., websites, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove SystemLocator adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and remove detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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