Removal instructions for the NetworkSource adware-type application

What kind of application is NetworkSource?

NetworkSource is a rogue application discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After examining this app, we determined that it is adware. NetworkSource is part of the AdLoad malware family. Software within this classification generates revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.

NetworkSource adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically operates by displaying advertisements on visited websites, desktops, or different interfaces. These ads can promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware.

Some of the adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations. Note that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Certain conditions may be necessary for adware to work as designed, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. However, even if NetworkSource does not deliver ads – the application's presence on a system remains a threat.

While many AdLoad adware-type apps exhibit browser-hijacking capabilities – we did not observe these qualities while testing NetworkSource.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to NetworkSource. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like NetworkSource on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by NetworkSource
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), 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 investigated countless adware-type apps; RecordTransaction, OpticalClient, and ProgressMapper are merely a couple of examples. Usually, advertising-supported software appears legitimate and innocuous.

Users may be enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of various "handy" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational. Keep in mind that even if an application or a browser extension functions exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did NetworkSource install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing technique, which involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. The threat of unintentionally providing access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from suspicious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. These pages are primarily accessed via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

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

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, tools, extensions, features, etc.

We advise vigilance when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive adverts redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with NetworkSource, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

NetworkSource adware removal:

Remove NetworkSource-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. The advertisements this software delivers can promote content capable of causing system infections, financial losses, and other severe issues. Adware is also classed as a privacy threat since it typically possesses data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware usually operates by placing advertisements on various interfaces (e.g., visited websites, desktops, etc.). Some types are also capable of generating redirects and collecting sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content. The majority of the profit is made through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove NetworkSource adware?

Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion