Removing InfinityHardware adware from your operating system

What is InfinityHardware?

When searching the newest submissions to VirusTotal, our researchers discovered InfinityHardware - another adware-type application from the AdLoad malware family.

When installed onto our testing system, it operated by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. However, from our extensive research into the previously mentioned malware family, we can state that InfinityHardware may exhibit browser hijacker qualities (though it did not during our analysis). This also extends to any data tracking abilities the app may possess.

InfinityHardware adware overview

After InfinityHardware was successfully installed onto our test system, our researchers observed it displaying advertisements.

Adware can require various conditions to be met to operate in a certain manner (e.g., device specifications, visitation to specific websites, user geolocation, etc.). Hence, the same piece of software can work differently on different systems. In general, we have noted adware displaying pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, and other intrusive adverts - on visited websites and different interfaces (e.g., injected into search results, delivered onto the desktop, etc.).

Adware-promoted ads are typically misleading or outright deceptive. They endorse scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (by clicking) to download/install software without user consent.

Note that any genuine content promoted through these ads is not marketed in this manner by its developers but rather affiliates seeking to obtain illegitimate commissions.

In addition to having adware functionalities, InfinityHardware might work as a browser hijacker and collect user data. It is common for adware to gather browsing information, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, and finance-related data. The aim is to monetize the information by selling it to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of apps like InfinityHardware on devices - can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by InfinityHardware
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. ▼ 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.

Adware examples

We have analyzed many adware samples, and ExpressDefault, EdgePremium, ToolIndexer, KeyWright - are just a few examples. This software appears legitimate and offers "useful" functionalities. However, the promised functions are seldom operational and are merely bait to trick users into download/installation.

How did InfinityHardware install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using various questionable methods. It can be bundled (i.e., packed together) with ordinary programs. These undesirable additions can be hidden within the "Custom/Advanced" installation settings or left unmentioned entirely.

Intrusive adverts spread adware as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations. Some apps of this kind have "official" promotional/download sites, which are often pushed by browser notification spam. Fraudulent installers/updaters (e.g., fake Adobe Flash updates) are also popular in adware distribution.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend always researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Dubious download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - are known to promote bundled/harmful content.

Additionally, our researchers advise treating download/installation processes with care. Therefore, it is important to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.

Intrusive advertisements may appear legitimate, yet they redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

If you encounter such ads/redirects, inspect your system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with InfinityHardware, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove InfinityHardware adware using Combo Cleaner:

InfinityHardware adware removal:

Remove InfinityHardware-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is also a threat to user privacy since this software usually collects sensitive information. What is more, adware-displayed advertisements can be deceptive/malicious and cause severe issues.

What does adware do?

Advertising-supported software or adware - is designed to deliver advertising campaigns. The third-party graphical content (ads) can be displayed on websites visited and/or other interfaces.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers mainly profit through affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, apps, services, and so on. Commission may be earned from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove InfinityHardware adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating the adware-type applications present. However, manual removal might be ineffective. Sometimes, although the software itself is (manually) removed - file leftovers are left behind. This is an issue since such remnants can continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion