How to remove TrustedSafeFinder adware from macOS
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is TrustedSafeFinder?
Our researchers discovered the TrustedSafeFinder adware while browsing new submissions to the VirusTotal website. This advertising-supported software is part of the AdLoad malware family. Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.
TrustedSafeFinder adware overview
Adware usually operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, pop-ups, banners, coupons, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
However, specific conditions may be necessary for this software to function as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether TrustedSafeFinder delivers advertisements – this app remains a threat to device/user safety.
Adware-displayed adverts can promote online scams, unreliable/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 content encountered via these advertisements is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that applications from the AdLoad group often exhibit browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe them during our analysis of TrustedSafeFinder.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to the TrustedSafeFinder app. Targeted information can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, software like TrustedSafeFinder is linked to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and potential identity theft.
| Name | Ads by TrustedSafeFinder |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.14), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adloa), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Agent.ad), 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
NetCollection, ValidInitiator, OpticalManager, and SimpleOptimizer are just some of our newest articles on Mac-specific adware. Software of this kind rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious; it tends to look ordinary and useful. Adware can offer various "handy" functionalities, which are usually fake and nonoperational.
Remember that even if a piece of software functions exactly as described by its promotional material – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.
How did TrustedSafeFinder install on my computer?
Adware is promoted on genuine-looking download pages and scam sites. Most visitors enter these webpages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and adware (with the ability to force-open pages).
Additionally, this software can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. These pre-packed installation setups can be downloaded from freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspicious sources. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is furthered by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software prior to downloading/purchasing. All downloads must be made from official and trustworthy channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, and so forth.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since the Internet is rife with well-disguised fake and malicious content. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with TrustedSafeFinder, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the TrustedSafeFinder adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.TrustedSafeFinder/TrustedSafeFinder
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.TrustedSafeFinderDaemon/TrustedSafeFinder
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.TrustedSafeFinder.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.TrustedSafeFinderDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps can create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:
1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar (Dock) and select "Profiles".
2) Locate all suspicious profiles and delete them.
3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.
After performing these actions, you can proceed with further removal steps for this adware.
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 TrustedSafeFinder?
- STEP 1. Remove TrustedSafeFinder related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove TrustedSafeFinder ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove TrustedSafeFinder adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove TrustedSafeFinder ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
TrustedSafeFinder adware removal:
Remove TrustedSafeFinder-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 usually has data-tracking abilities, which makes it a privacy threat. The content promoted via adware-delivered advertisements poses significant dangers, including system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and so on.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove TrustedSafeFinder adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan computers and remove detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file remnants can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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