How to eliminate InterfaceComputing adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is InterfaceComputing?
Our researchers found the InterfaceComputing application during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon inspection, we determined that this app is advertising-supported software (adware). InterfaceComputing is part of the AdLoad malware family.
InterfaceComputing adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns by feeding users with unwanted and potentially harmful ads. The third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, overlays, coupons, etc.) is displayed on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
These adverts endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Some can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that while genuine products or services can be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may need certain conditions to deliver intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). Yet even if InterfaceComputing does not display adverts – it endangers device and user safety.
AdLoad adware may have browser-hijacking capabilities – however, this rogue application did not exhibit these functionalities during testing.
Furthermore, InterfaceComputing likely collects sensitive information. Software within this classification usually gathers visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. This vulnerable information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like InterfaceComputing on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by InterfaceComputing |
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.Searchprox), 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 examined countless adware-type applications; ExemplaryDatabase, EditExecute, and InitiatorRecord are just a couple of examples.
Software within this category tends to appear legitimate, and it can offer a broad range of functionalities. However, despite how "useful" the promised features may sound – they are typically nonoperational. The goal is merely to trick users into downloading/installing the software.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software functions exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did InterfaceComputing install on my computer?
The bundling marketing tactic – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used in adware distribution.
Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped sections, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system.
Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Most visitors access them via redirects generated by webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing it. All downloads must be made from official and verified sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with InterfaceComputing, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once InterfaceComputing adware's installation is over:
InterfaceComputing 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 InterfaceComputing?
- STEP 1. Remove InterfaceComputing related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove InterfaceComputing ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove InterfaceComputing adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove InterfaceComputing ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove InterfaceComputing adware using Combo Cleaner:
InterfaceComputing adware removal:
Remove InterfaceComputing-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?
The content promoted through adware-delivered ads may be capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered to be a privacy threat since adware typically has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Furthermore, some types can also force-open webpages and collect vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by endorsing various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, and so forth. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove InterfaceComputing adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all adware-type applications installed. It is noteworthy that manually removing this software (without the aid of security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, file leftovers remain hidden within the system following the adware's manual removal. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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