Removing InterfaceHelper adware and the advertisements they display
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is InterfaceHelper?
InterfaceHelper is a rogue application that we discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this app, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. InterfaceHelper displays ads on various interfaces and may have additional harmful functionalities.
InterfaceHelper adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces (e.g., visited websites, desktops, etc.).
The advertisements can be pop-ups, overlays, banners, coupons, surveys, and others. They promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered through these advertisements is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Adware may need the browser/system to be compatible, specific sites to be visited, or other suitable conditions – to run intrusive advert campaigns. Regardless of whether InterfaceHelper displays ads – its presence on a device endangers device and user safety.
Furthermore, AdLoad adware commonly has browser-hijacking abilities, but InterfaceHelper did not exhibit them during testing.
What is more, this rogue application likely collects private information. Advertising-supported software typically targets the following data: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like InterfaceHelper may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by InterfaceHelper |
| 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
SkilledModuleSearch, UpgradeControl, SharedKey, and CommonHandler are merely some examples of apps within the adware category.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers handy functions. However, the features are rarely operational. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did InterfaceHelper install on my computer?
Bundling – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to proliferate adware. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P 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 system.
Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Once clicked on, some of the ads 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. Users typically access such webpages through redirects generated by sites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open pages).
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is paramount to research software and download it only from official/trustworthy sources. We recommend approaching installation processes with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional applications, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise caution while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable/harmful websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious apps and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with InterfaceHelper, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once InterfaceHelper adware's installation is over:
InterfaceHelper 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 InterfaceHelper?
- STEP 1. Remove InterfaceHelper related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove InterfaceHelper ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove InterfaceHelper adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove InterfaceHelper ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove InterfaceHelper adware using Combo Cleaner:
InterfaceHelper adware removal:
Remove InterfaceHelper-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 may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays advertisements capable of causing serious problems, such as system infections, financial losses, and others. Furthermore, advertising-supported software is classified as a privacy threat since it typically collects private data.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display ads on various interfaces. Additionally, this software may generate redirects and gather vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is generated via affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove InterfaceHelper adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file remnants stay within the system. The hidden components may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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