How to remove IdeaShared from operating systems
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is IdeaShared?
IdeaShared is an untrustworthy application that supposedly enhances the browsing experience. In fact, it is an adware-type app that feeds users with advertisements and gathers various user information. Typically, people download and install adware unintentionally and, therefore, IdeaShared is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA).
IdeaShared adware overview
When installed, IdeaShared displays various advertisements. For example, pop-up ads, banners, surveys, coupons, etc. People who click ads that originate from adware are redirected to untrustworthy or even malicious websites. These ads sometimes run scripts that lead to download or installation of PUAs or potentially malicious applications.
Furthermore, PUAs are often designed to record details relating to users' browsing activities. For example, IP addresses, addresses of visited websites, entered search queries, geolocations, and so on. Developers misuse private data to generate revenue and also share it with third parties (potentially cyber criminals) for this purpose.
In summary, having adware installed can lead to problems relating to browsing safety, online privacy, and even more serious issues such as identity theft.
| Name | Ads by IdeaShared |
| Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus. |
| 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), fake Flash Player installers, 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
There are many adware-type applications online. Some examples of apps similar to IdeaShared include LookupShare, DynamicPanel, and ForwardOpen. They are supposedly useful and legitimate, however, in most cases, these apps display unwanted ads, gather data, and provide no real value. They simply cause various problems.
How did IdeaShared install on my computer?
Unexpected, unwanted downloads and installations often happen during the download or installation processes of other software - when PUAs are included into the set-ups. This distribution method of PUAs is called "bundling". Typically, developers do not disclose information about the inclusion of PUAs and hide it in settings such as "Custom", "Advanced", and so on.
Furthermore, many people fail to check the settings when they download or install various programs. By leaving them unchanged, they inadvertently agree with offers to download and/or install additional, unwanted software by default.
Unwanted downloads and installations can sometimes be caused by clicking intrusive ads - some ads run scripts that cause download/installation of PUAs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Download software from official websites and via direct links. Do not trust other download/installation sources (channels) such as Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule), unofficial pages, third party downloaders, installers etc. - they are often used to distribute unwanted software.
Download and installation set-ups often contain settings such as "Advanced", "Custom", "Manual", etc. We advise you to check these and ensure that offers to download or install additional software are dismissed.
Advertisements that are displayed on dubious web pages should not be clicked, since they often redirect to other untrustworthy websites, or they cause unwanted downloads/installations. Note that deceptive ads might also appear on legitimate sites.
Check for unwanted, unknown or suspicious apps (add-ons, plug-ins, extensions) installed on the browser and remove them immediately. The same applies to programs of this kind installed on the operating system/computer. If your computer is already infected with IdeaShared, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once IdeaShared installation is complete:
IdeaShared 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 IdeaShared?
- STEP 1. Remove IdeaShared related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove IdeaShared ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove IdeaShared adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove IdeaShared ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove IdeaShared adware using Combo Cleaner:
IdeaShared adware removal:
Remove IdeaShared-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 displays ads that endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware usually has data-tracking capabilities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and gather vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove IdeaShared adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, even after the software has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. The remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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