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How to uninstall ActiveSource from devices

Also Known As: Ads by ActiveSource
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is ActiveSource?

We have examined the ActiveSource app and learned that its purpose is to deliver annoying advertisements. Thus, we have classified ActiveSource as adware. In addition to generating unwanted ads, ActiveSource might gather various data. Thus, it is advisable to avoid installing apps like ActiveSource.

ActiveSource adware

ActiveSource adware in detail

ActiveSource can display a wide range of advertisements, including pop-up ads, banner ads, interstitial ads, coupons, or other ads. It may also show fake alerts, warnings, or other deceptive notifications, tricking users into clicking on them and opening potentially malicious websites.

Ads originating from ActiveSource may redirect users to various destinations, including malicious websites, phishing pages, fake download portals, or sites hosting malware. These destinations may attempt to deceive users into providing personal information, downloading malicious software, or falling victim to scams.

In some cases, clicking on untrustworthy ads from ActiveSource may trigger automatic downloads of unwanted software onto the user's device, compromising its security and privacy. It is also important to mention that ActiveSource may gather sensitive information like credit card details, email addresses, and passwords.

Additionally, ActiveSource may slow down system performance. It may cause sluggish response times, delays in opening programs or files, and even system freezes or crashes. Overall, adware not only disrupts the user experience with its incessant ads but also undermines the smooth operation of the entire system.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ActiveSource
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.
▼ 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.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adware disrupts user experience with intrusive ads and may compromise privacy by collecting data, and pose security risks by redirecting to unreliable (potentially malicious) sites. Thus, users should avoid installing advertising-supported apps, especially the ones distributed using questionable methods.

Some examples of apps similar to ActiveSource are EscapeDaemonFormat, AnalyzerCommand, and SharedQuantity.

How did ActiveSource install on my computer?

Users may install adware together with free or shady programs. During installations, they may not notice "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings (or checkboxes) mentioning additional installations and agree to install the included adware. Interacting with misleading pop-ups, notifications, ads, and similar content on suspicious sites can also result in unwanted installations.

Additionally, users may download and install adware via links in deceptive emails, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, unofficial app stores, and similar channels. Overall, it is common for adware to be distributed using misleading methods.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Use reputable sources such as official websites or trusted app stores to download apps. Before installing any software, review user reviews and ratings to ensure legitimacy and reliability. During the installation process, opt for custom or advanced settings to deselect any bundled adware or other unwanted apps.

Avoid interacting with suspicious ads, pop-ups, or links, especially those promoting offers that seem too good to be true. Additionally, keep your operating system, web browser, and security software up to date and regularly scan your computer for adware and other unwanted programs using reputable security software.

If your computer is already infected with ActiveSource, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A pop-up that appears after the installation of ActiveSource:

ActiveSource adware pop-up displayed once installation is done

ActiveSource's installation folder:

ActiveSource adware 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:

Video showing how to remove ActiveSource adware using Combo Cleaner:

ActiveSource adware removal:

Remove ActiveSource-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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 disrupt user experience with intrusive ads, compromise privacy by tracking data without consent, and pose security risks by exposing users to malicious content. Additionally, it can slow down device performance.

What does adware do?

As a rule, the main purpose of adware is to generate various advertisements. Also, it can gather various information and operate as a browser hijacker.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers often earn revenue by promoting a variety of products, websites, or services, primarily through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ActiveSource adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will run a system scan and uninstall installed adware. Manual removal does not always work—some files remain in the system even after the removal. Thus, it is advisable to utilize Combo Cleaner to avoid leaving unwanted data in the system.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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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.