Removal instructions for the GlobalConnection adware-type application

What kind of application is GlobalConnection?

Our researchers discovered GlobalConnection during a routine investigation of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon examination of this software, we determined that it is adware. The GlobalConnection app is part of the AdLoad malware family.

GlobalConnection adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by placing third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, banners, overlays, etc.) on visited websites or other interfaces.

However, adware might not work as designed if the browser/system specs are incompatible, particular sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether GlobalConnection displays advertisements – this app endangers device integrity and user privacy.

Adware-delivered adverts can promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern, as some of these ads can carry them out upon being clicked.

It must be mentioned that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely endorsed by scammers abusing its affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

While AdLoad applications commonly operate as browser hijackers, we did not observe such capabilities while testing GlobalConnection.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to GlobalConnection. Adware tends to target browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by GlobalConnection
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.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

CoreInterface, DeskBoost, AssistiveEntry, and NetworkServer are just a few examples of our newest articles on adware. Despite usually appearing legitimate and harmless, advertising-supported software seldom operates as promised. Its "useful" and "advantageous" features typically serve the purpose of bait and are not actually 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 GlobalConnection install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing method, which involves packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements.

These setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, and other suspect sources. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is further compounded by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps or sections, using the "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users access these pages via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive advertisements as well. 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/trustworthy channels. When installing, we recommend studying terms and options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., applications, extensions, tools, etc.).

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove GlobalConnection adware using Combo Cleaner:

GlobalConnection adware removal:

Remove GlobalConnection-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?

Serious threats are posed by the content promoted through adware-delivered advertisements (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). The presence of advertising-supported software on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware is considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it typically has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, products, services, etc.). The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove GlobalConnection adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and remove detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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