FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

Remove adware that opens myhelpfuldownloads[.]com

Also Known As: myhelpfuldownloads[.]com pop-up
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is myhelpfuldownloads[.]com?

myhelpfuldownloads[.]com is a dubious website used to promote software called Scanguard and other dubious applications. Users do not generally visit pages such as myhelpfuldownloads[.]com intentionally. If a browser opens myhelpfuldownloads[.]com, this is due to an adware-type application present on the system.

Adware is software that displays various unwanted, often deceptive, ads. Adware-type apps are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs), since most people download and install them unintentionally.

myhelpfuldownloads[.]com adware

myhelpfuldownloads[.]com is promoted through adware, however, redirects to this page are not the only problem that installed adware might cause. Typically, adware feeds users with coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, and so on. It is not safe to click ads displayed by adware, since they often lead to untrustworthy websites or run scripts that download and install other PUAs.

Opened web pages and downloaded and/or installed apps might be malicious. We strongly recommended that you uninstall all adware from the browser or operating system, and do not trust sites such as myhelpfuldownloads[.]com.

Scanguard is likely to be a legitimate app, however, myhelpfuldownloads[.]com and other similar pages might be used to advertise rogue applications. These apps are often useless and do not remove viruses, clean systems, or resolve any other problems. In many cases, they require paid activation - developers seek to trick people into paying for useless software.

Threat Summary:
Name myhelpfuldownloads[.]com pop-up
Threat Type Mac malware, Mac virus.
Serving IP Address 98.124.199.59
Detection Names Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Promoted Application Scanguard
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), fake flash player installers, 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.

There are many examples of adware including AssistEngine, WindowArea, and PasteBoard. Most adware-type apps display unwanted ads that, if clicked, lead to potentially malicious pages or cause unwanted downloads and installations. To avoid problems caused through these apps, uninstall them immediately.

How did adware install on my computer?

Some potentially unwanted apps can be downloaded from supposedly official websites, however, most users install/download them unintentionally. To trick people into installing them, developers use the "bundling" method. They add PUAs to set-ups of other software as extra 'offers' and hide them in options such as "Custom", "Advanced", and so on.

Users who download/install programs without checking and changing the settings, often allow PUAs to be downloaded and installed with the regular software. In other cases people cause unwanted downloads/installations when they click deceptive advertisements displayed on dubious pages.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Download software and files from official websites, especially if it is free. Examples of untrustworthy download channels/tools are Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule), unofficial websites, third party downloaders and other channels of this kind. Do not install software using third party installers.

Furthermore, check all download and installation set-ups that contain settings such as "Advanced", "Custom", etc. and decline offers to download or install unwanted apps. If clicked, intrusive advertisements can redirect to untrustworthy websites or start unwanted downloads/installations.

To prevent the browser from opening dubious sites and/or displaying ads, uninstall all unwanted plug-ins and add-ons. Also remove programs of this type installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with myhelpfuldownloads[.]com, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Scanguard installer:

scanguard installation setup

Scanguard application:

scanguard app

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:

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

myhelpfuldownloads[.]com adware removal:

Remove myhelpfuldownloads[.]com-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac browser hijacker removal from 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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
myhelpfuldownloads[.]com pop-up QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of myhelpfuldownloads[.]com pop-up on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Mac malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner for Mac

Platform: macOS

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.