How to eliminate BrowserConnection adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is BrowserConnection?
BrowserConnection is a rogue application discovered by our researchers during a routine review of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Our examination revealed that BrowserConnection is adware. It is also part of the AdLoad malware family.
BrowserConnection adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Typically, adware displays third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
Specific conditions may be required for this software to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether BrowserConnection delivers advertisements – it threatens device/user safety.
Adware-displayed ads can endorse various scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and malware. When clicked on, some of these adverts can even execute scripts to carry out stealthy downloads/installations. Remember that any genuine content encountered via said advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad applications often possess browser-hijacking abilities – however, BrowserConnection did not exhibit these traits during testing.
What is more, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to BrowserConnection.
Adware may seek browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, advertising-supported software like BrowserConnection may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by BrowserConnection |
| 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 the 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
IndexerDivision, NodeResolution, and ExplorerProgress are just a couple examples of adware. Usually, advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers a broad range of functionalities. However, its functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases – that they do not work at all. Note that even if a piece of software operates as advertised – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did BrowserConnection install on my computer?
Adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional webpages and scam sites. They are predominantly accessed via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open pages).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped sections, used "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, adware is proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with care by studying terms and options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., applications, extensions, tools, etc.).
Fake and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless – therefore, we advise exercising caution when browsing. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – however, they redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep experiencing 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 BrowserConnection, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once BrowserConnection adware's installation is over:
BrowserConnection 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 BrowserConnection?
- STEP 1. Remove BrowserConnection related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove BrowserConnection ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove BrowserConnection adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove BrowserConnection ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove BrowserConnection adware using Combo Cleaner:
BrowserConnection adware removal:
Remove BrowserConnection-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?
Ads displayed by adware can endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also classed as a privacy threat since adware usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive ad campaigns. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., sites, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove BrowserConnection adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type apps that are present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various components (files) can remain hidden within the system. These remnants might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other undesirable software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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