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How to uninstall NetUpdate from computers

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

What is NetUpdate?

We have examined NetUpdate and discovered that this application operates as adware. Upon installation, it serves annoying advertisements. Usually, apps of this type are promoted and distributed using deceptive methods to trick users into downloading and installing them.

NetUpdate adware

NetUpdate adware in detail

NetUpdate can display a variety of advertisements, including pop-ups, banners, coupons, and similar ads. These ads should not be trusted because they can promote malicious or deceptive content. For instance, they might advertise phishing websites, fraudulent offers (e.g., giveaways or lotteries, technical support scams, fake or unnecessary products or services, etc.

Web pages promoted via ads generated by NetUpdate can designed to steal personal information (like credit card details or passwords) or money. Also, they can be used to trick users into installing potentially malicious software or providing scammers with remote access to their computers.

Moreover, NetUpdate may be designed to gather data, such as browsing habits, IP addresses, geolocation information, and even more sensitive information like credit card details. Therefore, it is highly recommended not to interact with adware-generated ads to avoid exposure to malicious content and privacy risks.

It is also worth mentioning that adware can slow down computers by using up system resources like CPU and memory to show ads, and it can be difficult to completely uninstall it from computers without specialized tools.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by NetUpdate
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.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adware is a type of software that interrupts users with advertisements. Knowing the functionality of adware and implementing protective steps can help users keep their systems safe from this unwanted software. More examples of apps that should be avoided due to their classification as adware are HandlerRecord, AssistField, and DefaultLocator.

How did NetUpdate install on my computer?

Users often install adware together with free (or untrustworthy) software. In these cases, adware is installed by leaving the default installation settings unchanged. Users agree to install adware when they do not deselect it using "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings or unticking checkboxes.

Adware can also be downloaded and installed through P2P networks, fake software updates, third-party downloaders, unofficial websites (or app stores), and similar channels. Overall, users rarely download and install software of this type on purpose.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Download applications and files from official websites and app stores. It is recommended to avoid using other (questionable/unofficial) sources. Do not trust advertisements, buttons, pop-ups (e.g. warnings or offers) on shady sites. Also, avoid consenting to receive notifications from websites of this kind.

During software installation, use the provided options/settings to deselect any unwanted software that might be bundled with the primary application. Keep all applications and the operating system up to date, and regularly scan your computer for unwanted apps (and remove them if detected).

If your computer is already infected with NetUpdate, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A pop-up that appears after the installation of NetUpdate:

NetUpdate adware pop-up displayed once installation is done

NetUpdate's installation folder:

NetUpdate adware 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:

Video showing how to remove NetUpdate adware using Combo Cleaner:

NetUpdate adware removal:

Remove NetUpdate-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 cause damage by slowing down computers and bombarding users with unwanted ads. It can also collect and misuse personal information, leading to privacy breaches. Additionally, adware can expose users to malicious content.

What does adware do?

Software of this type is designed to generate various advertisements. Also, it can be used to harvest data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers usually make money by advertising different products, websites, or services. They earn most of their income through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove NetUpdate adware?

Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and get rid of any adware. Manual removal might not always be thorough, as even after the adware is removed, some parts of it might continue to operate or remain hidden in the system.

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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.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

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