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

What kind of application is ToolFilter?

While inspecting new file submissions to the VirusTotal website, our researchers discovered the ToolFilter application. Our examination revealed that it is advertising-supported software (adware). ToolFilter is part of the AdLoad malware group.

ToolFilter adware overview

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. It typically operates by feeding users with unwanted and potentially malicious ads. This third-party graphical content can be displayed on visited websites or other interfaces.

Yet certain conditions may be required for advertising-supported software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if ToolFilter does not display advertisements – it remains a threat to device integrity and user privacy.

Adware-delivered adverts may endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Remember that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who are motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.

AdLoad apps may possess browser-hijacking functionalities – however, we did not observe these traits during our analysis of the ToolFilter adware.

Additionally, software within this classification usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to ToolFilter. Adware tends to target browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, advertising-supported software like ToolFilter may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ToolFilter
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.4), 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

We have written about numerous adware-type applications and browser extensions; EnhancementSkills, Cologne.app, and Becousined.app are merely a couple of our latest articles.

Advertising-supported software typically appears ordinary and harmless. Users may be lured into downloading/installing it by promises of various handy features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

Note 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 ToolFilter install on my computer?

The bundling marketing tactic, which involves packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is commonly used to proliferate adware.

These installers can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other dubious channels. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Furthermore, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. These pages are primarily accessed via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Intrusive advertisements also spread advertising-supported software. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Customer/Advanced" settings, and opting out of additional apps, tools, extensions, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ToolFilter, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove ToolFilter adware using Combo Cleaner:

ToolFilter adware removal:

Remove ToolFilter-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?

Significant risks are associated with the content promoted via adware-displayed advertisements, including system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc. Additionally, having this software installed on your device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it usually possesses data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary capabilities can include displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit through content promotion (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.). The majority of the revenue is generated via affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ToolFilter adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating detected adware-type apps. Manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. 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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