How to eliminate HostingValues adware from the operating system

What kind of application is HostingValues?

Our research team discovered the HostingValues rogue app while checking out new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After investigating this application, we learned that it is advertising-supported software (adware). Additionally, we determined that HostingValues is part of the AdLoad malware family.

HostingValues adware overview

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and deceptive advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) is displayed on visited webpages and/or different interfaces.

It must be mentioned that this software might not run intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system specs are incompatible, particular websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether HostingValues delivers ads – its presence remains a threat.

Adware-displayed advertisements predominantly endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive adverts can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

It is noteworthy that while legitimate products/services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

While AdLoad applications often have browser hijacker qualities, we did not observe these traits while examining HostingValues.

What is more, adware usually gathers private information, and this might apply to the HostingValues app. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, advertising-supported software like HostingValues may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by HostingValues
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchpro), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware examples

InitialPlatform, InterfaceBrowser, and HardwareRelevancy are just a couple examples of adware that we have analyzed recently. Software within this category typically appears legitimate and harmless. It entices users into download/installation by promising various handy features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did HostingValues install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The risk of permitting access for bundled content into systems is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Additionally, advertising-supported software can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on deceptive/scam sites. Users primarily access these pages via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive adverts may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with HostingValues, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once HostingValues adware's installation is over:

HostingValues 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 HostingValues?
• STEP 1. Remove HostingValues related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove HostingValues ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove HostingValues adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove HostingValues ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove HostingValues adware using Combo Cleaner:

HostingValues adware removal:

Remove HostingValues-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 ads that promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). It can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is classified as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying adverts on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove HostingValues adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating detected adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – leftover files remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion