How to remove the LinkSet adware?

What kind of software is LinkSet?

LinkSet is an advertising-supported application designed to show annoying advertisements. It also changes the settings of a web browser to promote a fake search engine. The majority of apps like LinkSet get installed inadvertently. Apps that users are likely to install unknowingly are categorized as potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).

LinkSet adware in detail

LinkSet displays ads that could open pages designed to trick visitors into paying money for unnecessary services, applications, providing sensitive information, installing PUAs, and so on. It is also possible for those ads to be designed to execute certain scripts and download or install unwanted apps.

Also, LinkSet hijacks a web browser by changing its settings such as the homepage, default search engine, and new tab. It replaces those addresses with the address of a fake search engine. A fake search engine can promote questionable websites and (or) show results generated by other untrustworthy search engines.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by LinkSet
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.j), 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), 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. ▼ 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.

LinkSet adware in general

LinkSet has the qualities of adware and a browser-hijacking application. It is possible that LinkSet can access (and collect) personal information. Typically, users download and install adware/browser hijackers unintentionally. More examples of apps similar to LinkSet are Ultratech, HandlerRotator, UltraEngine.

How did LinkSet install on my computer?

Adware gets installed alongside other software, through certain advertisements, or fake installers. Downloaders and installers for software can contain optional downloads or installations (like adware, browser hijackers).

Users end up having adware installed on their computers when they install software bundled with adware without changing "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings available in its installer. Ads can download or install PUAs only if it is designed to run certain scripts. Fake installers get downloaded from deceptive pages.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Deselect optional downloads and installations before downloading or installing software bundled with PUAs. Use official websites and direct links to download files and apps. Avoid using other sources for that. Also, do not click on ads showing up on suspicious websites.

If your computer is already infected with LinkSet, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up that shows up after the installation of LinkSet adware:

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

Video showing how to remove LinkSet adware using Combo Cleaner:

LinkSet adware removal:

Remove LinkSet-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 slow down a computer or a browser (diminish web browsing experience). It also can collect various data that its developer might misuse for malicious purposes.

What does adware do?

Usually, advertising-supported software generates unwanted, annoying advertisements. In some cases, it also changes the web browser's settings (to promote a fake search engine) and gathers information about its user.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

They use adware to promote websites, products, services, etc. It is popular among adware developers to use affiliate programs for that.

Will Combo Cleaner remove LinkSet adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate LinkSet and other detected adware. Users are advised to remove adware with specialized software instead of removing it manually. Some of the file leftovers (components belonging to adware) may remain present and running after the manual removal.

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