How to remove InterfaceStyle adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is InterfaceStyle?
Our researchers discovered InterfaceStyle while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon examination, we learned that this application is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Software within this classification operates by running intrusive ad campaigns.
InterfaceStyle adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. Typically, adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, overlays, coupons, banners, etc.) on visited websites or other interfaces.
Yet this software might not work as intended if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether InterfaceStyle delivers intrusive ad campaigns – its presence on a system threatens device/user safety.
Adware-displayed advertisements promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to carry out sneaky downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that while legitimate content may be encountered through these adverts – it is unlikely to be endorsed by its developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the promoted product's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is common for AdLoad applications to also exhibit browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not deserve these qualities while testing InterfaceStyle.
Advertising-supported software usually possesses data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of the InterfaceStyle app.
Targeted data may include browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, account log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, adware like InterfaceStyle is associated with system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, identity theft, and other serious problems.
Name | Ads by InterfaceStyle |
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. |
Adware examples
EnumeratorValue, ProgressInitiator, and ProductiveData are merely a couple of our newest articles on Mac-targeting adware. Advertising-supported software tends to look ordinary and harmless. It can also offer a broad range of "handy" functionalities; however, they seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be emphasized that even if a piece of software functions exactly as described by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did InterfaceStyle install on my computer?
The bundling marketing method – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware.
Downloading from suspicious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and inattentiveness when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally permitting bundled content into the system.
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most visitors enter these pages via redirects produced by intrusive ads, websites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Some of the adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. We recommend downloading only from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, investigating available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since the Internet is full of well-disguised fraudulent and dangerous content. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with InterfaceStyle, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once InterfaceStyle adware's installation is over:
InterfaceStyle 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 InterfaceStyle?
- STEP 1. Remove InterfaceStyle related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove InterfaceStyle ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove InterfaceStyle adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove InterfaceStyle ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
InterfaceStyle adware removal:
Remove InterfaceStyle-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 is linked to the following threats – system infections, privacy issues, and financial losses. Most of these dangers are posed by the content endorsed through adware-delivered ads. The software itself can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is also considered a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
In most cases, adware operates by displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. However, this software might also have the ability to force-open sites or gather vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs, i.e., the developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove InterfaceStyle adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all kinds of unwanted/malicious applications, including adware. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, after an adware-type application has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, adware and other undesirable software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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