How to remove TrackFrequency adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is TrackFrequency?
TrackFrequency is a rogue app, which we discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware, and that it belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
TrackFrequency adware overview
It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may require certain conditions (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.) to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. However, regardless of whether TrackFrequency (or other adware) displays advertisements or not - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Adware-delivered adverts promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can stealthily download/install software once clicked on.
It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are highly unlikely to be promoted by their developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate program to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, TrackFrequency might have browser-hijacking functionalities, as they are common for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during testing.
What is more, TrackFrequency likely has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software usually targets browsing-related information, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, financial/banking data, etc. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like TrackFrequency on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by TrackFrequency |
| 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. |
Adware examples
PlusTarget, HotComplete, SampleLight, and TaskCentral are just some examples of the adware-type apps we have analyzed. Advertising-supported software typically appears innocuous and offers "handy" and "advantageous" features. However, the promised functions are seldom operational, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did TrackFrequency install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling technique - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of permitting bundled content into the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well.
Additionally, intrusive advertisements are used to spread advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can make downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware can also have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted through scam websites. Most users enter such pages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and only downloading it from official/verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive adverts appear legitimate yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
If you experience such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with TrackFrequency, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once TrackFrequency adware's installation is over:
TrackFrequency 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 TrackFrequency?
- STEP 1. Remove TrackFrequency related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove TrackFrequency ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove TrackFrequency adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove TrackFrequency ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove TrackFrequency adware using Combo Cleaner:
TrackFrequency adware removal:
Remove TrackFrequency-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 endangers device integrity and user safety. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered to be a privacy threat since adware usually has data tracking functionalities. Furthermore, the advertisements displayed by this software promote deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. It may also force-open sites and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue mainly through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, products, services, and so on. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove TrackFrequency adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all the adware-type applications present. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, despite the adware itself having been (manually) removed - various file remnants are left behind in the system. What is more, such components might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, eliminating adware thoroughly - is paramount.
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