How to eliminate the AnalyzeHelper from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is AnalyzeHelper?
While reviewing new submissions to VirusTotal, our researchers discovered the AnalyzeHelper application. After examining the app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). Additionally, we learned that AnalyzeHelper belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
AnalyzeHelper adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Typically, this entails displaying advertisements on various interfaces (e.g., visited webpages, desktops, etc.). The displayed ads predominantly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Note that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether AnalyzeHelper displays adverts – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety.
AdLoad adware often has browser hijacker functionalities, but AnalyzeHelper did not exhibit any during our analysis. AnalyzeHelper likely has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can then be shared with or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like AnalyzeHelper on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AnalyzeHelper |
| 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.H), 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), 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 investigated thousands of adware samples; AlphaLegend, CosmoLoop, and SearchEmpire are just a couple of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers various functionalities. However, these features tend to be fake and serve the purpose of bait intended to trick users into download/installation. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as promised – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did AnalyzeHelper install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed through scam websites. Most visitors to such webpages enter them via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software can be bundled with ordinary programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Furthermore, installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
We advise vigilance while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AnalyzeHelper, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once AnalyzeHelper adware's installation is over:
AnalyzeHelper 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 AnalyzeHelper?
- STEP 1. Remove AnalyzeHelper related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AnalyzeHelper ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AnalyzeHelper adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AnalyzeHelper ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AnalyzeHelper adware using Combo Cleaner:
AnalyzeHelper adware removal:
Remove AnalyzeHelper-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 on a device can result in diminished browsing experience and system performance. This software displays advertisements that promote harmful content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). It is also considered to be a privacy threat since adware typically has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces. Additionally, some types can generate redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AnalyzeHelper adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is worth mentioning that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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