How to eliminate the IntranetSync adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is IntranetSync?
IntranetSync is a rogue app found by our research team while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal site. After examining this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
IntranetSync adware overview
Adware operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others. These ads primarily promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
While legitimate products/services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if IntranetSync does not display advertisements – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
While we have found instances of AdLoad adware exhibiting browser-hijacking capabilities – we did not observe these qualities during our analysis of IntranetSync.
This rogue application might have data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for software within this classification. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. This data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, advertising-supported software like IntranetSync may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by IntranetSync |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), 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 investigated countless adware-type apps; TableMarketTrust, PowerRemote, and ResourceActivity are merely a few examples. This software usually appears legitimate and innocuous.
Adware may offer various handy and advantageous features, which are rarely operational. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as promised – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.
How did IntranetSync install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Furthermore, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Users primarily access these pages via redirects generated by websites that employ rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive adverts. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software and download it only from official/trustworthy sources. Additionally, installation processes must be treated with care. Therefore, we recommend reading terms, investigating available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so on.
We advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with IntranetSync, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once IntranetSync adware's installation is over:
IntranetSync 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 IntranetSync?
- STEP 1. Remove IntranetSync related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove IntranetSync ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove IntranetSync adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove IntranetSync ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove IntranetSync adware using Combo Cleaner:
IntranetSync adware removal:
Remove IntranetSync-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 may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays ads that can endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, and other ads) on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Some adware types can also force-open webpages and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by endorsing sites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc. Most of the profit is made via affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove IntranetSync adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
▼ Show Discussion