How to remove NetCollection adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is NetCollection?
While reviewing new submissions to the VirusTotal site, our researchers discovered the NetCollection application. It is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family. NetCollection is designed to deliver intrusive ad campaigns.
NetCollection adware overview
Typically, adware operates by displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. These ads (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, surveys, coupons, banners, etc.) can promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that while genuine content may be encountered through these advertisements – it is unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. This endorsement is most likely undertaken by scammers who abuse the promoted product's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Certain conditions may be required for advertising-supported software to function as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific sites, etc.). Even if NetCollection does not display ads – this application remains a threat to device integrity and user privacy.
AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking functionalities – however, NetCollection did not exhibit them during testing. Additionally, adware tends to have data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to NetCollection.
Targeted information can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit/debit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered data can be shared with or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like NetCollection on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by NetCollection |
| 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 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
MajorBuffer, DynamicSector, OpticalNavigation, ElementaryCommand, and ManagerInterface are merely some of our newest articles on Mac-specific adware. Advertising-supported software usually appears genuine and offers various functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed that even if an app or extension operates exactly as described by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.
How did NetCollection install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites (that use lures like program updates, system infections, etc.).
These pages are primarily accessed via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites that employ rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used in adware distribution.
These installation setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspect channels. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Intrusive adverts spread advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading/purchasing. We recommend downloading only from official and trustworthy sources. Installations must be approached with care by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering such advertisements/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with NetCollection, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once NetCollection adware's installation is over:
NetCollection 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 NetCollection?
- STEP 1. Remove NetCollection related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove NetCollection ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove NetCollection adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove NetCollection ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
NetCollection adware removal:
Remove NetCollection-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 can promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Furthermore, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it typically has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (adverts) on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue through content promotion (e.g., sites, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove NetCollection adware?
Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate all kinds of threats, including adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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