Removal instructions for the QueueNetworks adware-type app

What kind of application is QueueNetworks?

While investigating new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our research team discovered the QueueNetworks application. After examining it, we are determined that this app is advertising-supported software (adware). QueueNetworks is part of the AdLoad malware family.

QueueNetworks adware overview

Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited webpages and/or different interfaces.

It is noteworthy that adware might not run intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if QueueNetworks does not display ads – the application's presence on a system remains a threat to device/user safety.

Adware-delivered advertisements primarily promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely endorsed in this fashion by scammers abusing its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking abilities, although QueueNetworks did not exhibit these functionalities during testing.

This rogue application likely spies on users' browsing activity. Advertising-supported software usually collects the following information: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like QueueNetworks on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by QueueNetworks
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.32), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information	This application belongs to 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

UltimateUser, AssistiveConnection, ZipDomainNameRate, and SupportSkyReference are just some examples of adware we have analyzed recently.

Software within this classification typically appears ordinary and harmless. Users are enticed into downloading/installing it by promises of various "handy" functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be mentioned that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.

How did QueueNetworks install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. The majority of visitors to these pages access them via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive adverts as well. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with QueueNetworks, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove QueueNetworks adware using Combo Cleaner:

QueueNetworks adware removal:

Remove QueueNetworks-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software is also considered to be a privacy threat since it typically has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types are also capable of generating redirects and collecting private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting websites, products, services, applications, browser extensions, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove QueueNetworks adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It is worth mentioning that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, various file remnants stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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