How to eliminate HyperTextInternet adware and the ads it displays

What kind of application is HyperTextInternet?

HyperTextInternet is a rogue app that we found while inspecting new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After investigating this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. HyperTextInternet is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns.

HyperTextInternet adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons, etc.) on various interfaces, such as visited sites, desktops, or others.

The advertisements mainly endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some of these adverts can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate content may be encountered via these ads – it is highly 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 products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, particular websites are not visited, etc.). However, even if HyperTextInternet does not display ads – it remains a threat to device/user safety.

While AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities, HyperTextInternet did not exhibit any during testing.

Furthermore, HyperTextInternet might have data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like HyperTextInternet on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by HyperTextInternet
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.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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

We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; ProcesserFlow, BoostMapper, OptionSatellite, PlotPages, ElectronicInformative – are just some of our newest finds.

Advertising-supported software tends to look genuine and harmless. It entices users into download/installation by promising a wide variety of "handy" functionalities. However, these functions 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 definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did HyperTextInternet install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on deceptive/scam sites. Most users access these pages via redirects caused by websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).

We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look ordinary/harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove HyperTextInternet adware using Combo Cleaner:

HyperTextInternet adware removal:

Remove HyperTextInternet-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-delivered advertisements primarily endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware typically gathers private information – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces, and some types are also capable of force-opening websites and collecting sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove HyperTextInternet adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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