How to remove NetworkStructured adware and the ads it displays

What is NetworkStructured?

Our researchers found NetworkStructured when looking through new submissions on VirusTotal. After analyzing this sample, we came to the conclusion that NetworkStructured is an adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.

We have studied many adware-type applications from this malware group, and they often have browser hijacker features (though NetworkStructured did not exhibit such behavior at the time of research). And these apps tend to track data as well.

NetworkStructured adware overview

After downloading and launching NetworkStructured on our testing machine, we noted that it began displaying various advertisements. From our sizable experience with adware, we can safely say that this software requires certain specifications to be met in order to work as intended. For example, adware may deliver intrusive advert campaigns if the users' geolocations, device/browser specs, visited websites, or other requirements are met.

This is noteworthy since adware may operate dissimilarly on different systems. Furthermore, even if an app of this type is nonoperational (i.e., does not display ads), that does not mean that it is harmless.

The delivered advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, etc.) typically promote various scams, untrustworthy and dangerous sites/applications, and even malware. We have also observed adware displaying intrusive adverts capable of stealthily downloading/installing software - upon being clicked.

As mentioned in the introduction, NetworkStructured may operate as a browser hijacker, and it likely has data tracking abilities. Adware usually collects browsing data and other private information, with the goal of selling it to third-parties.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by NetworkStructured
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.25245), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Fortinet (Adware/Synataeb!OSX), 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.

Adware examples

PreviewInteractive, InfinityHardware, and ManagerDisplay are a few examples of adware we have analyzed. This software looks legitimate and typically offers fake features. However, despite how useful apps of this kind may appear, they seldom work as promised and instead endanger device/user safety.

How did NetworkStructured install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using various dubious distribution techniques. This software can be downloaded/installed alongside other programs. The marketing method of packing regular products with unwanted/malicious additions - is called "bundling". Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installation - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Additionally, once clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to download/install adware without user consent. This software can also have "official" download pages, which are commonly promoted by others using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, or browser notification spam.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Exercising caution when downloading/installing content is paramount. Therefore, we advise to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.

Questionable sites and intrusive advertisements appear innocuous; however, they redirect to unreliable/dubious websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove NetworkStructured adware using Combo Cleaner:

NetworkStructured adware removal:

Remove NetworkStructured-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 decrease system performance. This software usually has data tracking functionalities, which make it a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-displayed ads can be dubious/malicious and cause other serious issues.

What does adware do?

Advertising-supported software or adware - is designed to display advertisements on visited sites and/or other interfaces.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit mainly via affiliate programs by promoting various sites, apps, products, etc. Commission may be earned from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, products purchases, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove NetworkStructured adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type applications detected. Note that manual removal is not a perfect solution in all cases. In some instances, even if the software itself is (manually) deleted - leftover files remain in the system. What is more, such components can continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.

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