How to eliminate NetworkServer adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is NetworkServer?
While browsing file submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our researchers discovered the NetworkServer application. After inspecting this rogue software, we determined that it is adware. NetworkServer is part of the AdLoad malware family.
NetworkServer adware overview
Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and potentially malicious ads. This third-party graphical content can be displayed on visited websites or other interfaces.
Note that adware might not operate as intended if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether NetworkServer displays adverts – it remains a threat to device and user safety.
Adware-delivered advertisements can promote various scams, unreliable/harmful software, and malware. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Remember that any genuine content encountered via these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers seeking to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing its affiliate programs.
AdLoad applications often operate as browser hijackers in addition to having adware-type functions; however, NetworkServer did not hijack browsers during our analysis.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to NetworkServer. Adware may target browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be shared with or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like NetworkServer on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by NetworkServer |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), 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
We have written about thousands of adware-type apps; BalanceDesktop, AdjustableFrame, EssentialTask, and AssistiveSpace are just some of our latest articles.
Software within this classification appears harmless and offers useful features. However, its functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Keep in mind that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did NetworkServer install on my computer?
Adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites that employ rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, 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 sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installations (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – pose a threat of bundled content infiltrating the system.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with caution by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
We also advise vigilance while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep encountering adverts and/or 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 NetworkServer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once NetworkServer adware's installation is over:
NetworkServer 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 NetworkServer?
- STEP 1. Remove NetworkServer related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove NetworkServer ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove NetworkServer adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove NetworkServer ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove NetworkServer adware using Combo Cleaner:
NetworkServer adware removal:
Remove NetworkServer-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 advertisements promoting content that may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). It can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware tends to have data-tracking abilities – due to which it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays advertisements on various interfaces and may also generate redirects and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., sites, software, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove NetworkServer adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. After the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. The remaining components may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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