How to remove ConnectedApp adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ConnectedApp?
Our research team discovered ConnectedApp while browsing file submissions to VirusTotal. After our examination, we determined that this application is advertising-supported software (adware). We also found that ConnectedApp is part of the AdLoad malware family.
ConnectedApp adware overview
Typically, adware operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
However, this software might not function as designed if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether ConnectedApp displays adverts – this app remains a threat to device and user safety.
Adware-delivered advertisements can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and malware. Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern, as some of the ads can carry them out upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that any genuine products or services encountered through these adverts are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse the affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad applications that boast adware-type capabilities often also operate as browser hijackers – however, we did not observe the latter while analyzing ConnectedApp.
Usually, adware collects sensitive information, and ConnectedApp might have such data-tracking abilities as well. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so forth. This vulnerable data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ConnectedApp |
| 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), Fortinet (Adware/Synataeb!OSX), 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
DeployImprovment, CommonMethod, TechBoost, and CommonBoost are merely a few of our latest articles on adware-type apps. This software usually appears harmless and offers useful functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.
Remember that even if an application or a browser extension functions exactly as described by the promotional material – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.
How did ConnectedApp install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing method, which involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements.
Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and being negligent when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements also spread advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed via scam websites. They are primarily accessed through redirects generated by sites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Additionally, installations must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advance" settings, and opting out of supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ConnectedApp, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ConnectedApp adware's installation is over:
ConnectedApp 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 ConnectedApp?
- STEP 1. Remove ConnectedApp related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ConnectedApp ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ConnectedApp adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ConnectedApp ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
ConnectedApp adware removal:
Remove ConnectedApp-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. It displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The software itself is considered a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware primarily operates by displaying ads on various interfaces; however, some types can also force-open webpages and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove ConnectedApp adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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