Removing SoftwareHelper adware and the advertisements it delivers

What is SoftwareHelper?

SoftwareHelper is an adware-type application that our research team discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. This piece of software operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns (displaying ads), and it can have other harmful functionalities. We also learned that it belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

SoftwareHelper adware overview

Advertising-supported software may need the browser/system or user geolocation to be compatible, visits to particular websites, or other specifics - to deliver intrusive ad campaigns (display adverts). However, regardless of whether SoftwareHelper (or other adware) delivers advertisements or not, its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

Adware-delivered ads typically endorse scams, unreliable/hazardous websites and software, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software - when clicked.

Any genuine products encountered through these advertisements are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this is primarily undertaken by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

SoftwareHelper may have browser hijacker qualities, as they are standard for AdLoad adware, although this app did not exhibit any during our analysis.

What is more, SoftwareHelper may have data tracking abilities. Information of interest can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data is monetized through sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like SoftwareHelper on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by SoftwareHelper
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.

Adware examples

We have analyzed countless adware samples; GuideService, DefaultFabricOptic, and OnlinePlatform are just a few of the latest. This software usually appears harmless and useful. However, the functionalities they advertise are rarely operational. Therefore, not only is adware useless, but it also endangers device integrity and user privacy.

How did SoftwareHelper install on my computer?

Bundling - packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements - is used to proliferate adware. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Additionally, intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can make downloads/installations without user permission. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in distribution.

Adware can have "official" download webpages, which users seldom access intentionally. Most enter them via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, which includes - reading terms, exploring possible options, and using the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out of all additions.

We also advise being vigilant when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content tends to appear innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements look legitimate and ordinary; however, they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).

If you experience such ads/redirects, check your device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SoftwareHelper, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove SoftwareHelper adware using Combo Cleaner:

SoftwareHelper adware removal:

Remove SoftwareHelper-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also deemed to be a privacy threat, as this software usually has data tracking functionalities. Furthermore, adware-displayed advertisements promote deceptive/malicious content, which can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware displays various ads on visited sites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and gather private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, products, services, and similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove SoftwareHelper adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating installed adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware itself is (manually) removed - various file leftovers remain in the system. What is more, these components may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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