How to remove TrustedCompress adware-type app from your Mac

What kind of application is TrustedCompress?

While reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal site, our researchers discovered TrustedCompress. Upon examination, we determined that this application operates as advertising-supported software (adware). TrustedCompress is part of the AdLoad malware family. This app delivers intrusive ad campaigns and may possess other harmful capabilities.

TrustedCompress adware overview

Adware is designed to enable the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, banners, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.

Keep in mind that specific conditions may be required for this software to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if TrustedCompress does not display adverts – it remains a threat.

Adware-delivered advertisements primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and potential malware. Some can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Note that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are highly unlikely to be promoted by any official parties.

It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions. We have discovered multiple instances of AdLoad applications exhibiting browser-hijacking functionalities – however, we did not observe these functions while investigating TrustedCompress.

Advertising-supported software typically gathers sensitive information, and data tracking might be among TrustedCompress' capabilities as well.

Targeted information can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, the presence of software like TrustedCompress on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by TrustedCompress
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), 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 investigated countless adware-type apps; ChannelRecord, ElementaryFrame, and GreatestZone are merely a few of our latest finds. Software within this classification tends to look ordinary and innocuous. It may also offer various useful functionalities that seldom work as promised and, in most cases – are utterly nonoperational.

It must be mentioned that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.

How did TrustedCompress install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation process use (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.

Additionally, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. The majority of visitors access these pages via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.

We also advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, 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 TrustedCompress, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove TrustedCompress adware using Combo Cleaner:

TrustedCompress adware removal:

Remove TrustedCompress-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 is designed to display adverts that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The presence of this software on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware is deemed to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces (e.g., visited websites, desktops, etc.). Furthermore, some adware types can also force-open webpages and collect private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue by promoting various websites, products, services, applications, browser extensions, and other content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, product purchases, service subscriptions, file downloads, or similar. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove TrustedCompress adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the software has been manually removed. These remnants may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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