Removing BounceTopics adware-type app and the advertisements it delivers

What kind of application is BounceTopics?

BounceTopics is an adware-type application from the AdLoad malware family. Our researchers discovered this piece of software during a routine inspection of file submissions to the VirusTotal site. BounceTopics operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns.

BounceTopics adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. As the classification implies, apps/extensions belonging to it generate revenue through advertising. Typically, this software enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, banners, and other ads) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.

These adverts primarily promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

It is noteworthy that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are highly unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion 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.

Advertising-supported software might require specific conditions to run intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if BounceTopics does not display advertisements – it remains a threat to device/user safety.

Furthermore, AdLoad applications commonly have browser hijacker qualities – yet we did not observe these functionalities while analyzing BounceTopics.

What is more, adware usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to the BounceTopics app. Targeted information can include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be monetized through sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like BounceTopics on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by BounceTopics
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 analyzed numerous adware-type apps; QuestDevice, DisplayEscape, CampaignConclusion, ChannelRecord, ElementaryFrame – are just some examples.

Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and ordinary. It entices users into downloading/installating by promising various "handy" functionalities. These functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did BounceTopics install on my computer?

Adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users predominantly access these pages via redirects generated by misspelled URLs, websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Intrusive adverts proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with care. Therefore, we advise reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove BounceTopics adware using Combo Cleaner:

BounceTopics adware removal:

Remove BounceTopics-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Advertising-supported software is also classified as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software may be capable of displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, software, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove BounceTopics adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate adware-type apps detected. Note that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be an ideal solution. Since even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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