How to remove the UpgradeFilter adware and the ads it delivers?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is UpgradeFilter?
UpgradeFilter is a rogue application, categorized as adware. Additionally, this app has browser hijacker qualities. It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns and making modifications to browser settings - to cause redirects to fake search engines.
Hence, with the UpgradeFilter application installed, users encounter undesirable/harmful adverts and are constantly redirected to illegitimate web searcher addresses. Furthermore, most adware and browser hijackers spy on users' browsing activity.
Since most users download/install UpgradeFilter inadvertently, it is classified as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). This app has been distributed via fake Flash Player updates. It is noteworthy that fraudulent updaters can spread PUAs and malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, etc.).
UpgradeFilter adware in detail
Adware enables the placement of pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons, and other intrusive ads on any visited website and/or different interfaces. These advertisements seriously diminish the browsing experience by overlaying page content and slowing down the browsing speed.
Furthermore, intrusive adverts pose a threat to device/user safety. They promote sale-based webpages (of both legitimate and fake products), rogue, deceptive/scam, and malicious sites. Some of these ads can download/install software (e.g., PUAs) - when they are clicked on.
Browser hijackers reassign browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs - to fake web searchers. Therefore, with a browser hijacker installed: new tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted search engine. Illegitimate search engines usually cannot provide search results, so they redirect to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other genuine ones.
Furthermore, browser hijackers can undo any changes users try to make to their browsers, and/or they restrict/deny access to the browser settings. Therefore, recovering a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it.
Most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) have data tracking abilities. Targeted information includes: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses, personally identifiable details, and so forth. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. Therefore, it is strongly advised to remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins without delay.
| Name | Ads by UpgradeFilter |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| 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), 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 in general
AccessDefault, RemoteView, and IndexerProject are a few examples of adware. This software usually looks legitimate and promises nonexistent "useful" features. In fact, practically all PUAs lure users with offers of various functionaries, which are seldom operational.
The sole purpose of unwanted applications is to generate profit for the developers; they have no real value to users. Therefore, instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can run intrusive advert campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects, and gather private data.
How did UpgradeFilter install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed via downloaders/installers of other products. This deceptive marketing method of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is termed "bundling". These supplements can be hidden within the "Custom/Advanced" settings or left unmentioned entirely.
By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) - users risk inadvertently allowing bundled content into their devices, thereby endangering the systems with potential infections.
Intrusive advertisements are used to proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the adverts can execute scripts to download/install these applications without user consent. Select PUAs also have "official" promotional webpages from which they can be downloaded.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to research software prior to download/installation. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Dubious download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer bundled and/or dangerous content.
Download and installation processes must be approached with care. Therefore, it is advised to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to decline downloading/installing additional apps, tools, functions, and so on.
It is just as important to exercise caution browsing. Intrusive advertisements appear ordinary and harmless; however, they redirect to highly questionable and unreliable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, and many others).
Should users encounter ads and/or redirects of this type, they must check their devices and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with UpgradeFilter, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed when UpgradeFilter adware is present on the system:
Text presented within:
"UpgradeFilterd" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Delusive installer (fake Flash Player updater) promoting UpgradeFilter adware;
First installation step:
Second installation step:
Files related to the UpgradeFilter adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.UpgradeFilter.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.UpgradeFilter.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.UpgradeFilter.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.UpgradeFilter.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like UpgradeFilter alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you'll have to restore them manually.
Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.
Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.
Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".
Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also set the settings of each protocol to default - "*.local, 169.254/16".
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 UpgradeFilter?
- STEP 1. Remove UpgradeFilter related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove UpgradeFilter ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove UpgradeFilter adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove UpgradeFilter ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove UpgradeFilter adware using Combo Cleaner:
UpgradeFilter adware removal:
Remove UpgradeFilter-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.
Outstanding!
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