How to remove the MainHandler adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is MainHandler?
Our researchers discovered the MainHandler app while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. An investigation of this software revealed that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. MainHandler operates by displaying various advertisements, and it may have other harmful abilities.
MainHandler adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of third-party graphical content (i.e., pop-ups, coupons, banners, and other ads) on various interfaces. The displayed advertisements promote scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It must be noted that any genuine products/services encountered through these adverts – are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Additionally, MainHandler might have browser hijacker qualities since they are common to AdLoad adware. However, the application did not exhibit such traits during testing.
Furthermore, MainHandler may have data-tracking abilities. Targeted data can include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. The collected data may be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like MainHandler on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by MainHandler |
| 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), 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
BinaryOptimizer, LauncherProgress, NanoAccess, and MetroToken are merely some examples of adware we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software usually looks legitimate and offers a wide variety of functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension operates as advertised – that is not proof of its legitimacy or safety.
How did MainHandler install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., free file-hosting and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Adware can also have "official" download pages, and it is promoted on scam websites. Users typically access such webpages via redirects caused by sites that use rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is distributed through intrusive adverts as well. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, when installing, it is essential to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MainHandler, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once MainHandler adware's installation is over:
MainHandler 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 MainHandler?
- STEP 1. Remove MainHandler related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MainHandler ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MainHandler adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MainHandler ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove MainHandler adware using Combo Cleaner:
MainHandler adware removal:
Remove MainHandler-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?
The presence of adware may result in decreased browsing quality and system performance. This software displays ads that endorse deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Adware may also have data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can cause redirects and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MainHandler adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay within the system. Furthermore, these components can continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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