Removal instructions for the ConnectionHandler adware

What kind of application is ConnectionHandler?

Our researchers discovered ConnectionHandler while browsing new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After examining this app, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. ConnectionHandler is designed to feed users with unwanted and potentially malicious ads.

ConnectionHandler adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its goal is to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. This is typically achieved by displaying third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces.

The advertisements can promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via said ads is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Adware might not operate as designed if the browser/system specs are incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Yet even if ConnectionHandler does not display advertisements – the app's presence on a device threatens system safety and user privacy.

Additionally, AdLoad applications can exhibit browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe these traits while analyzing ConnectionHandler.

What is more, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to ConnectionHandler. Information of interest can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. This sensitive information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, adware like ConnectionHandler is associated with system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ConnectionHandler
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.4), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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

AssistiveLibrary, BasicApplication, and HandlerRecord are merely a few of our newest articles on adware. Software within this category rarely appears suspicious – it tends to look legitimate and innocuous Users may be enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of various functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be mentioned that even if an application or a browser extension operates as detailed by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did ConnectionHandler install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing method, which involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. These pre-packed setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, and other suspicious sources.

The threat of bundled content infiltrating the system is further increased by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections/steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Furthermore, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. They are primarily accessed via redirects generated by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open pages).

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 possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.

Fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless – therefore, we advise vigilance when browsing. For example, while intrusive adverts may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).

Should you keep encountering ads/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 ConnectionHandler, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove ConnectionHandler adware using Combo Cleaner:

ConnectionHandler adware removal:

Remove ConnectionHandler-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-displayed advertisements promote content that may cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Furthermore, adware typically has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ConnectionHandler adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Remember that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion