ExpertComplete is a deceptive application that has been classified as adware due to its primary function: flooding users with intrusive advertisements. While it may appear harmless at first glance, further inspection reveals that ExpertComplete not only disrupts the user experience but also puts the system and sensitive information at risk. It belongs to the notorious Adload malware family—a persistent threat targeting macOS users.
Threat Summary
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Name | Ads by ExpertComplete |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Associated Email Addresses | Not specified |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j) |
Symptoms | Mac slowdown, unwanted pop-up ads, redirects to dubious websites |
Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-ups, software bundling, torrent downloads |
Damage | Browser tracking, privacy risks, exposure to phishing sites, system instability |
Danger Level | High |
Malware Family | Adload |
What is ExpertComplete Adware?
ExpertComplete is designed to display various forms of unwanted ads including banners, pop-ups, fake alerts, and coupons. These ads are not just annoying—they can be outright dangerous. Often, the content promoted through ExpertComplete’s advertisements redirects users to untrustworthy or malicious websites that aim to extract sensitive information, install more malware, or deceive users into making payments for bogus services.
What makes ExpertComplete particularly dangerous is the combination of deceptive advertising with stealthy system persistence. It slows down your Mac, causes browser redirects, and may even resist removal attempts by leaving behind hidden components.
Dangers of ExpertComplete
Ads delivered by ExpertComplete can:
- Display fake virus alerts prompting users to install fake security tools
- Promote phishing websites that collect sensitive information such as credit card numbers or login credentials
- Redirect users to sites that may auto-download malware
- Lead to financial scams or fraudulent product purchases
Some security vendors classify this threat as “Not-a-virus” but still flag it due to its behavior and impact on system performance and user privacy. Multiple detections from trusted antivirus engines like Avast, Kaspersky, and ESET further confirm that ExpertComplete should not be considered safe.
Manual Adware Removal for Mac
Step 1: Identify and Uninstall Suspicious Applications
- Open
Finder
and navigate toApplications
. - Look for any unknown or suspicious apps.
- Drag these apps to the
Trash
and empty it. - Open
System Preferences
>Users & Groups
>Login Items
. - Remove any unfamiliar startup items by selecting them and clicking the
-
button.
Step 2: Remove Malicious Browser Extensions
Safari
- Open Safari and go to
Preferences
>Extensions
. - Identify and remove any unwanted extensions.
- Go to
History
> “Clear History” and select “All History.”
Google Chrome
- Open Chrome, click
Menu
(three dots) >Extensions
. - Remove any suspicious extensions.
- Reset Chrome:
Settings
>Reset settings
> “Restore settings to their original defaults.”
Mozilla Firefox
- Click
Menu
>Add-ons and themes
. - Remove any unrecognized extensions.
- Reset Firefox:
Help
>More troubleshooting information
> “Refresh Firefox.”
Step 3: Delete Adware-Related Files and Folders
- Open
Finder
, pressShift + Command + G
, and type:~/Library/Application Support/
~/Library/LaunchAgents/
~/Library/LaunchDaemons/
~/Library/Preferences/
- Look for and delete suspicious files or folders associated with adware.
Step 4: Flush DNS Cache
- Open
Terminal
. - Type the following command and press Enter:
- Enter your administrator password when prompted.
Step 5: Restart Your Mac
Restart your device to finalize the manual removal process.
Automatic Adware Removal Using SpyHunter for Mac
For a quick and thorough cleanup, use SpyHunter, a powerful tool designed to detect and remove adware.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
Download SpyHunter for Mac from the official website: Download SpyHunter Here.
Step 2: Install SpyHunter
- Open the downloaded
.dmg
file. - Drag and drop SpyHunter into the
Applications
folder. - Open SpyHunter and allow it to update its malware definitions.
Step 3: Perform a System Scan
- Open SpyHunter.
- Click
Start Scan
. - Wait for the scan to complete.
- Click
Fix Threats
to remove any detected adware.
Step 4: Restart Your Mac
After SpyHunter removes all threats, restart your Mac to complete the process.
Conclusion
ExpertComplete may initially masquerade as a harmless or even useful application, but its true purpose is to hijack your browsing experience with relentless and potentially dangerous advertisements. From fake alerts to phishing attempts and system slowdowns, this adware undermines both performance and security. Multiple security vendors have flagged it as a threat, reinforcing the need for users to avoid interacting with its content and to take its presence seriously. If you discover ExpertComplete on your Mac, it should be removed without delay to protect your data and system stability.