Removal instructions for the SharedQuantity adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is SharedQuantity?
Our research team discovered SharedQuantity while reviewing new submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon examination, we determined that this application is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. SharedQuantity operates by running intrusive advert campaigns.
SharedQuantity adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, banners, and other ads) on visited websites, desktops, or different interfaces.
These advertisements endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that while legitimate products/services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who seek to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.
Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether SharedQuantity displays adverts – it remains a danger to device integrity and user privacy.
AdLoad applications commonly exhibit browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe these traits during our analysis of SharedQuantity.
Additionally, adware usually possesses data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of the SharedQuantity app. Collected information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. This vulnerable data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, software like SharedQuantity may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SharedQuantity |
| 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.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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
Alcalde.app, DataCollection, HorizonsHost, and FocusProgrammer are merely some examples of adware-type apps we have investigated recently.
Software within this category appears legitimate and offers various useful functions. However, it seldom operates as promised, and in most cases – its features are completely nonfunctional.
It must be mentioned that even if an application or a browser extension works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.
How did SharedQuantity install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – pose a threat of having bundled contact infiltrate the device.
Furthermore, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors access them via redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Some intrusive advertisements are capable of executing scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. These adverts are used to spread advertising-supported software as well.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
We also advise vigilance while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
Should you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SharedQuantity, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SharedQuantity adware's installation is over:
SharedQuantity 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 SharedQuantity?
- STEP 1. Remove SharedQuantity related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SharedQuantity ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SharedQuantity adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SharedQuantity ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SharedQuantity adware using Combo Cleaner:
SharedQuantity adware removal:
Remove SharedQuantity-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. The ads displayed by the software may promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Adware is also deemed to be a threat to user privacy, as it typically possesses data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. As the naming implies, this software generates revenue through advertising. Its primary functions can include displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces, force-opening webpages, and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit by endorsing various websites, products, software, services, and other content. The majority of the revenue comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SharedQuantity adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type applications that are present. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is paramount.
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