How to eliminate HitchSpace adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is HitchSpace?
While investigating new file submissions to the VirusTotal site, our research team discovered the HitchSpace application. After examining it, we learned that it is advertising-supported software (adware). HitchSpace is part of the AdLoad malware family. This app runs intrusive advertisement campaigns.
HitchSpace adware overview
Adware is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. It must be mentioned that software within this classification may need certain conditions to deliver intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to specific sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether HitchSpace displays adverts – its presence endangers device and user safety.
This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, surveys, etc.) mainly endorses online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and potential malware. Some intrusive advertisements can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that any genuine products/services encountered through these ads – are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Additionally, AdLoad adware commonly has browser-hijacking traits – however, we did not observe these functionalities while investigating HitchSpace.
Advertising-supported software usually collects vulnerable information, and this might apply to the HitchSpace app. Targeted data can include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like HitchSpace on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by HitchSpace |
| 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
BrowserElement, KeyboardVirtual, SimpleNavigation, and ElementsPerf are merely a few examples of adware. Advertising-supported software often looks ordinary and harmless. It may entice users into downloading/installing by promising various "handy" functionalities. However, these features are usually fake and nonoperational.
Yet regardless of whether a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – neither legitimacy nor safety are guaranteed.
How did HitchSpace install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware. Download from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, used "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Furthermore, adware can be promoted on legitimate-looking and deceptive/scam sites. Users primarily access these webpages via redirects generated by mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, websites that use rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Some of them can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.
We also advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – yet they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with HitchSpace, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once HitchSpace adware's installation is over:
HitchSpace 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 HitchSpace?
- STEP 1. Remove HitchSpace related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove HitchSpace ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove HitchSpace adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove HitchSpace ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove HitchSpace adware using Combo Cleaner:
HitchSpace adware removal:
Remove HitchSpace-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 endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other severe problems. Advertising-supported software may also decrease browsing quality and system performance. Furthermore, adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces. Additionally, it may be capable of generating redirects and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers typically generate revenue by promoting websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove HitchSpace adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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