Removal instructions for the SpeedHelpDesk adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SpeedHelpDesk?
Our researchers found the SpeedHelpDesk app while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After analyzing this application, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. SpeedHelpDesk is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns.
SpeedHelpDesk adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It can display third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, coupons, etc.) on various interfaces.
These advertisements predominantly endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive ads can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that any genuine content encountered via these adverts is highly unlikely to be promoted in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether SpeedHelpDesk displays advertisements – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
In many cases, AdLoad apps possess browser-hijacking functionalities, but we did not observe these abilities while testing SpeedHelpDesk.
Data tracking is standard for adware and may be among SpeedHelpDesk's capabilities. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like SpeedHelpDesk on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SpeedHelpDesk |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), 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 countless adware-type applications; SearchInternetResults, SkillsRefer, and SectionOperation are merely a couple of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears genuine/innocuous and offers a wide variety of functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.
Keep in mind that even if an app or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SpeedHelpDesk install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed through scam websites. The majority of visitors access these webpages via redirects generated by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Adware is also spread by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SpeedHelpDesk, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SpeedHelpDesk adware's installation is over:
SpeedHelpDesk 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 SpeedHelpDesk?
- STEP 1. Remove SpeedHelpDesk related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SpeedHelpDesk ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SpeedHelpDesk adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SpeedHelpDesk ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SpeedHelpDesk adware using Combo Cleaner:
SpeedHelpDesk adware removal:
Remove SpeedHelpDesk-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Furthermore, advertising-supported software is considered to be a threat to user privacy since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can also force-open webpages and collect vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs by promoting content. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SpeedHelpDesk adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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