How to eliminate HelperSection adware from Mac

What kind of application is HelperSection?

While browsing new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our research team discovered the HelperSection rogue application. Following examination, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software (adware) aims to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.

HelperSection adware overview

Typically, adware works by placing advertisements (e.g., overlays, pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons, etc.) on visited webpages, desktops, or different interfaces.

These ads can endorse scams (phishing, tech support, etc.), unreliable/harmful software (adware, PUAs, browser hijackers, etc.), and malware (trojans, ransomware, etc.). Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

While legitimate products or services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. This promotion is most likely undertaken by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not operate as designed if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Yet even if HelperSection does not display ads – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety.

It is a noteworthy that AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking abilities – however, HelperSection did not exhibit these qualities during testing.

Furthermore, HelperSection might have data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for adware. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, browser cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, the presence of software like HelperSection on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Adware examples

We have analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; GeneralProgress, AssistiveTransaction, OverallTermsReserve, AssistiveMaster, and ExpandedSection are merely some of our newest finds.

Advertising-supported software tends to look harmless and offer a wide variety of useful and advantageous features. However, it seldom operates as promised, and in most cases – all its advertised functions are nonoperational.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not prove its legitimacy or safety.

How did HelperSection install on my computer?

Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. They are primarily accessed via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software is also spread through bundling; this marketing technique involves packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements.

The risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Some of these ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., by studying terms and options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of additional apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.

We advise vigilance when browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless – however, they redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with HelperSection, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

HelperSection adware's installation folder:

Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

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

Video showing how to remove HelperSection adware using Combo Cleaner:

HelperSection adware removal:

Remove HelperSection-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 advertisements promote content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The software's presence on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, adware typically has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs; the developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove HelperSection adware?

Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. These components might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, adware and other unwanted software must be eliminated thoroughly.