How to remove FileInterface adware and the adverts it displays

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 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:

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

Video showing how to remove FileInterface adware using Combo Cleaner:

FileInterface adware removal:

Remove FileInterface-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 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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