Removal instructions for the ConnectedField adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is ConnectedField?
We discovered the ConnectedField application during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. On our test system, this app ran intrusive ad campaigns, and due to this behavior - it is considered to be adware. Additionally, ConnectedField belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
ConnectedField adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software displays ads on various interfaces.
The delivered adverts endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and malware. Some intrusive advertisements are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations - upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate content encountered through these ads is most likely promoted by scammers abusing its affiliate programs - in order to acquire commissions fraudulently.
Advertising-supported software may need specific conditions to run intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if ConnectedField does not display adverts - its presence endangers device/user safety.
AdLoad adware tends to have browser-hijacking functionalities, although ConnectedField did not exhibit any during testing.
Furthermore, this app likely has data-tracking abilities. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like ConnectedField on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ConnectedField |
| 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.h), 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
We have inspected countless adware samples; PrimaryRotator, AlphaExplorer, and CharacterGeneration are merely a couple of our newest finds. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers "handy" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are nonoperational.
How did ConnectedField install on my computer?
"Bundling" - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions - is used to proliferate adware. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing installation (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player installers/updaters are used in distribution. Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" download pages, and it is promoted on scam websites. Most users access such sites via redirects caused by webpages using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Furthermore, installation must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of additional apps, extensions, etc.
Another recommendation is to be cautious when browsing since fraudulent and malicious material usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ConnectedField, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ConnectedField adware's installation is over:
ConnectedField 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
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Quick menu:
- What is ConnectedField?
- STEP 1. Remove ConnectedField related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ConnectedField ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ConnectedField adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ConnectedField ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ConnectedField adware using Combo Cleaner:
ConnectedField adware removal:
Remove ConnectedField-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 adverts promoting deceptive and malicious content that can cause severe issues, e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc. Furthermore, this software is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. It displays ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open sites and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ConnectedField adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed - various files stay on the system. Furthermore, these remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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