Removal instructions for ConnectedTools adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ConnectedTools?
Our research team discovered ConnectedTools while checking out new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this application, we learned that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. ConnectedTools is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.
ConnectedTools adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically enables the placement of ads on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, overlays, coupons, etc.) can endorse various scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and malware. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Remember that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.
Specific conditions may be required for adware to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). Regardless of whether ConnectedTools displays ads – it is a threat to device and user safety.
AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities – however, we did not observe these qualities during testing.
Additionally, ConnectedTools might have data-tracking abilities, as they are standard for adware. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered data can be monetized through sale to third-parties (possibly, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like ConnectedTools on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ConnectedTools |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), 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. |
Adware examples
CenterArchive, SearchGlobalWords, and CacheOptimizer are merely a couple of our latest finds within the adware classification. Advertising-supported software usually appears harmless and offers "handy" features. The promised functions are usually bait to lure users into downloading/installing, and as such – they are rarely operational.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ConnectedTools install on my computer?
Adware can have promotional pages that may appear quite legitimate. Scam websites utilizing scare tactics or other lures are used for this purpose as well.
Most visitors access these webpages via redirects generated by sites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – pose a risk of bundled content infiltrating the device.
Additionally, adware is proliferated by intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, and so forth.
Fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous – however, we advise caution while browsing. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with adverts/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 ConnectedTools, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ConnectedTools adware's installation is over:
ConnectedTools 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
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Quick menu:
- What is ConnectedTools?
- STEP 1. Remove ConnectedTools related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ConnectedTools ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ConnectedTools adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ConnectedTools ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ConnectedTools adware using Combo Cleaner:
ConnectedTools adware removal:
Remove ConnectedTools-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-displayed advertisements may endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Advertising-supported software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered a privacy threat due to the data-tracking abilities that it usually possesses.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display advertisements on various interfaces, and it might also be able to force-open websites as well as collect vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing content. The software's developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ConnectedTools adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and remove detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (carried out unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, various file leftovers can stay hidden within the system – after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remaining components might resume running and causing issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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