How to remove HandlerRecord adware and the advertisements it delivers

What kind of application is HandlerRecord?

Our researchers found HandlerRecord – a rogue app – during a routine investigation of new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. Upon analysis, it was determined that this application is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to feed users unwanted and possibly malicious ads.

HandlerRecord adware overview

Adware aims to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. This goal is typically achieved by displaying ads on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.

The displayed third-party graphical content is more than just an annoyance, as it commonly promotes deceptive and malicious content. Adware-delivered advertisements can endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Note that any genuine products/services encountered via these ads are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not operate as intended if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Even if HandlerRecord does not display advertisements – it threatens device and user safety.

While AdLoad apps often exhibit browser-hijacking capabilities – we did not observe these qualities while testing HandlerRecord.

Additionally, this adware-type application may have data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for software within this classification. Information of interest can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be shared with or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, software like HandlerRecord may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by HandlerRecord
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. ▼ 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 examined numerous adware-type apps; AssistField, DefaultLocator, and RecordCharacter are just a few of our newest articles. Advertising-supported software tends to appear ordinary and innocuous. It can also offer a broad range of handy features, which are usually fake and nonoperational.

Remember that even if an application or a browser extension operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not prove its legitimacy or safety.

How did HandlerRecord install on my computer?

"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is utilized in adware distribution. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from suspicious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. They are mainly accessed via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, tools, extensions, and so forth.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – however, they redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove HandlerRecord adware using Combo Cleaner:

HandlerRecord adware removal:

Remove HandlerRecord-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 can decrease browsing quality and system performance. By far the most serious threats are not posed by the software itself, but rather by the content endorsed through its advertisements – such as system infections, financial losses, etc. Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is also considered a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and gathering sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove HandlerRecord adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and remove detected adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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