Removal instructions for HardDriveThread adware and the ads it delivers

What kind of application is HardDriveThread?

Our research team found HardDriveThread while reviewing file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After examining this piece of software, we learned that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. HardDriveThread operates by delivering intrusive ad campaigns, and it might have other harmful capabilities.

HardDriveThread adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. As is implied by the naming, its purpose is to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. This goal is typically achieved by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, banners, pop-ups, coupons, etc.) on various interfaces.

However, specific conditions may be necessary for adware to function as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). Regardless of whether HardDriveThread displays such advertisements – it remains a threat to device and user safety.

Adware-delivered ads can endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. Some can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is performed by scammers who seek to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.

AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking abilities, yet HardDriveThread did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.

Advertising-supported software usually collects sensitive user data, such as browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc.

Hence, it is possible that HardDriveThread has such data-tracking functionalities. Note that the gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of software like HardDriveThread on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by HardDriveThread
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (Other:Malware-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), 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 written about numerous adware-type applications; ActiveSource, OpenFunction, AnalyzerCommand, and EscapeDaemonFormat, are just a few of our latest articles on apps similar to HardDriveThread. Advertising-supported software seldom appears suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and harmless.

Users may be enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of handy functionalities. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Remember that operational features alone do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.

How did HardDriveThread install on my computer?

Adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam websites. Users primarily enter these webpages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, sites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Furthermore, advertising-supported software can be bundled with regular programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Additionally, adware is proliferated by intrusive adverts. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, investigating available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, tools, extensions, etc.).

Fake and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate – therefore, we advise caution while browsing. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, 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 HardDriveThread, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove HardDriveThread adware using Combo Cleaner:

HardDriveThread adware removal:

Remove HardDriveThread-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 poses a variety of serious threats. It can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, severe issues may be caused by the content endorsed via adware-delivered ads (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited websites or other interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and collect vulnerable information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue by promoting content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove HardDriveThread adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and remove detected adware-type apps. Manual removal (performed without security tools) on the other hand – might not be a perfect solution. Since after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file remnants can stay hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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