How to eliminate WirelessBrowser adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is WirelessBrowser?
Our researchers discovered WirelessBrowser while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. WirelessBrowser is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns.
WirelessBrowser adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by placing third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces, such as visited sites, desktops, or others. These ads promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Keep in mind that while genuine products/services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the promoted content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may need certain conditions to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether WirelessBrowser displays ads – its presence endangers device integrity and user safety.
AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking capabilities, but we did not note these functionalities while testing WirelessBrowser.
Adware typically collects private data, and this might be true of WirelessBrowser. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like WirelessBrowser on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by WirelessBrowser |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-AHU [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Generik.DWWLPEU), 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 examined thousands of adware-type apps; AssistiveArchive, TerabyteLogoff, DataDesk, and AssistiveOrigin are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and harmless. Users may be lured into downloading/installing it by promises of "handy" functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did WirelessBrowser install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, and other dubious channels. The threat is compounded by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" download pages, and it is pushed by scam sites. They are primarily accessed via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We also advise being cautious while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with WirelessBrowser, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once WirelessBrowser adware's installation is over:
WirelessBrowser 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 WirelessBrowser?
- STEP 1. Remove WirelessBrowser related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove WirelessBrowser ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove WirelessBrowser adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove WirelessBrowser ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove WirelessBrowser adware using Combo Cleaner:
WirelessBrowser adware removal:
Remove WirelessBrowser-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 adverts that may endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, it is classed as a privacy threat since adware typically has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware runs intrusive advert campaigns. It is capable of displaying ads, generating redirects, and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove WirelessBrowser adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be an ideal solution. After the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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