Removal instructions for the SettleTopic adware-type application

What kind of application is SettleTopic?

Our researchers discovered the SettleTopic adware-type application while reviewing new file submissions to VirusTotal. This app is part of the AdLoad malware family. SettleTopic is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns, and it may have other harmful capabilities.

SettleTopic adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, etc.) on visited sites and/or other interfaces.

These advertisements primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.

It must be mentioned that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted 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 may require certain conditions to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if SettleTopic does not display adverts – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user privacy.

While we have found multiple instances of AdLoad adware with browser-hijacking abilities, we did not observe these traits while inspecting SettleTopic.

Software within this category usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to the SettleTopic app. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, software like SettleTopic may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by SettleTopic
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Agent-AIO [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Generik.NQBJLYC), 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. ▼ 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 thousands of adware samples; SimpleGrid, TrustedAnalyser, and Skat.app are merely a couple of our latest finds.

Software within this classification usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Users can be enticed to download/install it by promises of various "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.

How did SettleTopic install on my computer?

"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to proliferate adware. The threat of unintentionally allowing access for bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking webpages and scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects generated by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Intrusive ads also spread advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and verified channels. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.

Fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless – therefore, we advise being vigilant when browsing. For example, intrusive ads may look ordinary and innocuous yet redirect users to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, scam-promoting, etc.).

If you keep encountering such advertisements and/or redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SettleTopic, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove SettleTopic adware using Combo Cleaner:

SettleTopic adware removal:

Remove SettleTopic-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?

Advertisements displayed by adware endorse harmful content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, this software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Primary functions may include displaying adverts on various interfaces (e.g., visited sites, desktops, etc.), force-opening webpages, and collecting vulnerable data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, products, services, software, etc.). The majority of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove SettleTopic adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. After a piece of software has been manually removed – file leftovers may remain hidden within the system. The remaining components can continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is essential to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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