How to remove the ConnectedChannel adware-type app from your Mac

What kind of application is ConnectedChannel?

ConnectedChannel is an adware-type application discovered by our research team during a routine investigation of file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. This app is part of the AdLoad malware family. ConnectedChannel operates by running intrusive ad campaigns and may possess other harmful capabilities.

ConnectedChannel adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others.

Software within this classification might not deliver advert campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether ConnectedChannel displays advertisements – it endangers device integrity and user privacy.

Adware-delivered adverts commonly endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive ads can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Note that while genuine products/services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is motivated by the acquisition of illegitimate commissions through the abuse of the endorsed content's affiliate programs.

AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking abilities – however, ConnectedChannel did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically gathers private information, and this might apply to ConnectedChannel. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, software like ConnectedChannel may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ConnectedChannel
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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

AnalyzeService, StandartServer, and ProcessorSelect are just a couple examples of adware we have analyzed recently. Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and innocuous. It may also offer various handy functionalities, which are usually nonoperational.

Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did ConnectedChannel install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Furthermore, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users primarily access these webpages via redirects generated by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, investigate available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.

Fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous – therefore, it is important to exercise caution while browsing. For example, while intrusive adverts may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

ConnectedChannel adware removal:

Remove ConnectedChannel-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 ads that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. It can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Advertising-supported software is also considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually collects vulnerable information.

What does adware do?

Adware operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can force-open webpages and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ConnectedChannel adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, various file remnants stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.

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