Removal instructions for ThinDev adware and the ads it displays

What is ThinDev?

ThinDev is a rogue application, which our analysis revealed to be advertising-supported software (adware). It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. Additionally, ThinDev belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

ThinDev adware overview

Adware displays third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other ads) on various interfaces such as visited websites.

The delivered advertisements endorse scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, and even malware. It must be mentioned that some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations - upon being clicked.

Note that any genuine content encountered through these ads is most likely promoted by scammers abusing its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

It must be mentioned that advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if ThinDev does not display advertisements - its presence on a system is still a danger to device/user safety.

This rogue application might also have browser-hijacking functionalities since they are common for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during testing.

Furthermore, ThinDev likely collects private information. Adware typically targets browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and other vulnerable data. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ThinDev
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

InitialConnection, FocusAhead, ActiveAnalyzer, AdvantageMethod, and ExtendedSample are merely some examples of adware-type apps that we have inspected recently. This software usually looks ordinary and harmless. It offers a broad range of functionalities, which seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

How did ThinDev install on my computer?

Adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through online scams. Websites of this kind are primarily entered via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open sites).

Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission. Furthermore, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution.

Adware can be bundled with ordinary software as well. Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes - increase the risk of unintentionally permitting bundled content to infiltrate the device.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend downloading only from official and trustworthy channels. Another recommendation is to be careful when installing, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.

We advise vigilance when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts look ordinary/harmless, yet they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).

In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ThinDev, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

ThinDev extension installed on Safari:

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

Video showing how to remove ThinDev adware using Combo Cleaner:

ThinDev adware removal:

Remove ThinDev-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 delivers advertisements promoting deceptive/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, it can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software is also considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions include displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces, force-opening sites, and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue mainly via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, and so forth.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ThinDev adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed - various file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. The remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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