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How to remove FileInterface adware and the adverts it displays

Also Known As: Ads by FileInterface
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is FileInterface?

While checking out new submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our research team found the FileInterface app. Upon examination, we are determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). FileInterface is part of the AdLoad malware family.

FileInterface adware

FileInterface adware overview

Adware operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns; this entails displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces.

These advertisements primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

While genuine products/services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to deliver intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if FileInterface does not display advertisements – it remains a threat to device and user safety.

While AdLoad apps commonly have browser hijacker abilities – we did not observe these qualities while investigating FileInterface.

Additionally, this adware-type application likely has data-tracking functionalities. Advertising-supported software usually targets browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. This vulnerable information can then be monetized through sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like FileInterface on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by FileInterface
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), 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.
▼ 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; TechWebNavigator, HelperFraction, and LaserGradualActivity are merely a couple of our latest finds.

Software within this category typically looks ordinary and harmless. It may also offer various handy features that rarely work as promised and in most cases – do not work at all. Keep in mind that even if an app or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did FileInterface install on my computer?

The bundling marketing technique – which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is often used in adware distribution.

Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the threat of inadvertently permitting access for bundled content into the device.

Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Additionally, advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on various scam websites.

The majority of users enter these webpages via redirects generated by misspelled URLs, sites that utilize rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, investigating available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of additional apps, extensions, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, etc.).

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

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

Pop-up displayed once FileInterface installation is complete

FileInterface adware's installation folder:

FileInterface adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove FileInterface adware using Combo Cleaner:

FileInterface adware removal:

Remove FileInterface-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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 delivers adverts that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Advertising-supported software is also considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually gathers sensitive information.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various sites, products, applications, browser extensions, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove FileInterface adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, file remnants stay hidden within the system after the software has been manually removed. The remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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