How to remove ConnectionLocator adware-type app from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ConnectionLocator?
Our researchers found the ConnectionLocator app during a routine investigation of new submissions to the VirusTotal site. This piece of software operates as adware. It is pertinent to mention that ConnectionLocator is part of the AdLoad malware family.
ConnectionLocator adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and deceptive ads.
This software may need specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if the ConnectionLocator app does not display adverts – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Adware enables the placement of advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, surveys, etc.) on visited webpages and/or different interfaces.
These adverts primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads can even execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are highly unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities; however, ConnectionLocator did not exhibit these capabilities during testing.
This rogue app likely collects sensitive user information. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, advertising-supported software like ConnectionLocator can cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ConnectionLocator |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), 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 analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; ApplicationLaser, StandartInitiator, MotionOptimizer, VantageGains, and GrowSupport are just a few examples.
Advertising-supported software tends to appear ordinary and harmless. However, the features it promises are usually fake and merely used as bait to trick users into downloading/installing the software.
Note that even if an app or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ConnectionLocator install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps/sections, using the "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Users primarily enter these pages via redirects caused by websites that employ rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software. Some of the adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, inspect available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., applications, extensions, tools, features, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with adverts and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all dubious apps and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ConnectionLocator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ConnectionLocator adware's installation is over:
ConnectionLocator 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 ConnectionLocator?
- STEP 1. Remove ConnectionLocator related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ConnectionLocator ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ConnectionLocator adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ConnectionLocator ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ConnectionLocator adware using Combo Cleaner:
ConnectionLocator adware removal:
Remove ConnectionLocator-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 displays advertisements that endorse deceptive/malicious content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, adware is classified as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open sites and collect vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, browser extensions, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ConnectionLocator adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is worth mentioning that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, various file leftovers stay hidden within the system – even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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