FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

How to eliminate the ValueInterface adware from your Mac

Also Known As: Ads by ValueInterface
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is ValueInterface?

While browsing new file submissions to the VirusTotal site, our researchers found the ValueInterface application. Our examination revealed that this app is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.

ValueInterface adware

ValueInterface adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It usually works by placing third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.

However, certain conditions may be necessary for adware to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc.). Even if ValueInterface does not display ads – the application's presence on a device threatens system and user safety.

Adware-delivered adverts can endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Some can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to perform sneaky downloads/installations. Remember that any genuine products or services encountered via these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

In the past, we have found many AdLoad apps that have had the ability to hijack browsers; however, ValueInterface did not exhibit such traits during our analysis.

Advertising-supported software typically gathers sensitive user information, and ValueInterface might possess such data-tracking capabilities as well.

Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like ValueInterface on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ValueInterface
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), 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.
▼ 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

ProductivePlatformValueIndexer, and ToolboxKey are merely some of our latest articles on adware-type apps. Software within this category usually appears genuine and harmless. Adware can also offer a broad range of handy functionalities, which are rarely operational.

Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not prove legitimacy or safety.

How did ValueInterface install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing method, which involves packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements. These setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspect sources.

The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is further compounded by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Adware is also endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam sites. Most users access these webpages via redirects generated by intrusive adverts, websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. When installing, it is essential to study terms and options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – however, they redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

Pop-up displayed once ValueInterface installation is complete

ValueInterface adware's installation folder:

ValueInterface adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove ValueInterface adware using Combo Cleaner:

ValueInterface adware removal:

Remove ValueInterface-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software delivers advertisements promoting content that may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). It typically has data-tracking functionalities – hence, adware is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces, and this software might also be capable of force-opening sites and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ValueInterface adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, file remnants stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. These components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by ValueInterface QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by ValueInterface on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Mac malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner for Mac

Platform: macOS

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.