How to eliminate the HelperFraction adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is HelperFraction?
Our researchers found the HelperFraction application while checking out new file submissions to VirusTotal. Following our analysis, we determined that this app is advertising-supported software (adware). HelperFraction is also part of the AdLoad malware family. Applications within this group run intrusive ad campaigns and may have other harmful capabilities.
HelperFraction adware overview
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. It displays adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Note that this software might not deliver ads if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether HelperFraction displays advertisements – it remains a threat to device and user safety.
Adware-displayed ads primarily endorse scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and potential malware. Some can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations. Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered through these adverts – is most likely promoted by scammers abusing its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities, yet HelperFraction did not exhibit these qualities during testing.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually collects sensitive information, and data tracking may be among HelperFraction's capabilities. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like HelperFraction on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by HelperFraction |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.29), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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. |
Adware examples
We have examined thousands of adware-type apps; LaserGradualActivity, Araucarian.app, PositiveFocus, and TrustedEnumerator are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and harmless. It can also offer a broad range of "handy" functions, which are usually fake and nonoperational. It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did HelperFraction install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions.
The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed through scam websites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive adverts spread advertising-supported software as well. Some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "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, intrusive ads may look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with HelperFraction, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once HelperFraction adware's installation is over:
HelperFraction 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 HelperFraction?
- STEP 1. Remove HelperFraction related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove HelperFraction ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove HelperFraction adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove HelperFraction ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove HelperFraction adware using Combo Cleaner:
HelperFraction adware removal:
Remove HelperFraction-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. This software delivers adverts that promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of ads on various interfaces. Some types can also force-open websites and gather vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by endorsing content. 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 HelperFraction adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, adware must be eliminated thoroughly.
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