Removal instructions for the WebIndex adware-type app

What kind of application is WebIndex?

WebIndex is a rogue application discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). WebIndex is part of the AdLoad malware family.

WebIndex adware overview

The purpose of adware is to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. Typically, this is achieved by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. Adware can display third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, overlays, and other ads) on various interfaces.

It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software might not operate as intended if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if WebIndex does not deliver adverts – it remains a threat to device/user safety.

Adware-displayed advertisements can promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and malware. Some of these ads can even be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations. Remember that any genuine content encountered via these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

AdLoad applications often possess browser-hijacking capabilities, yet we did not observe these qualities while investigating the WebIndex adware.

Software within this classification usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to WebIndex. Adware may seek browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, software like WebIndex may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by WebIndex
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. ▼ 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

We have written about thousands of adware-type applications; GrowthStyle, WebCoordinator, AgentUpdater, and SyncProgress are just a few of our latest articles on software within this category.

Adware seldom appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and harmless. Users may be lured into downloading/installing this software by promises of various "handy" features. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.

Keep in mind that even if an app or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not prove its legitimacy or safety.

How did WebIndex install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing tactic, which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions.

Downloading from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspect sources – poses a threat of bundled content infiltrating the device. This risk is further compounded by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. These ads are also used to proliferate advertising-supported software.

Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Users primarily enter these pages via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive adverts, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is important to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).

Fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless – therefore, we advise vigilance while browsing. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – they redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).

Should you keep encountering adverts/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with WebIndex, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove WebIndex adware using Combo Cleaner:

WebIndex adware removal:

Remove WebIndex-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It commonly displays ads that promote harmful content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, advertising-supported software is considered a threat to user privacy since it typically has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit through content promotion (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, tools, products, services, etc.). Most of the revenue is made via affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove WebIndex adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. After the software has been manually removed – various file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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