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How to uninstall InteractivePremium adware

Also Known As: Ads by InteractivePremium
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is InteractivePremium?

InteractivePremium is a rogue application classified as adware. It runs intrusive advertisement campaigns. Additionally, it has browser hijacker characteristics. InteractivePremium modifies browsers to promote bogus search engines. This app promotes Safe Finder via akamaihd.net.

Most adware type apps and browser hijackers have data tracking capabilities, which are employed to monitor users' browsing habits. Due to InteractivePremium's dubious proliferation methods, it is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).

InteractivePremium adware

Adware enables the placement of pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys and other advertisements on any visited website. These ads significantly diminish the browsing experience, as they limit web page visibility and browsing speed.

Additionally, when clicked, intrusive ads often redirect to untrusted/malicious sites and some can execute scripts to stealthily download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs). Browser hijackers assign the addresses of fake search engines as the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs.

Therefore, when a new browser tab/window is opened or a search query is typed into the URL bar, a redirect is made to the promoted address. Rogue search engines are typically unable to provide unique results, and so they tend to redirect to legitimate sites.

In the case of InteractivePremium, it promotes Safe Finder (through akamaihd.net) and ends with Yahoo (search.yahoo.com), a genuine search engine. Furthermore, recovering the hijacked browser is impossible without removal of the browser hijacker, since any changes users attempt to make are automatically reset, if access to the settings is permitted at all.

It is highly likely that InteractivePremium can track data, which is common to PUAs (adware and browser hijackers). This software can usually monitor browsing activity (browsing and search engine histories) and gather personal information (IP addresses, geolocations and other details).

The collected data is often shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) seeking to misuse it for profit. To summarize, the presence of PUAs on devices can lead to system infiltration and infections, financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft.

To ensure device/user safety, remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by InteractivePremium
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
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), 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.

ServiceBuilderNetEmpireSearch and CompleteReady are some examples other adware-type apps. They often seem normal and useful software, however, the features promised are rarely operational, and this is the case with most PUAs. These unwanted applications have just one purpose: to generate revenue at users' expense.

Rather than delivering any real value, PUAs run intrusive ad campaigns, cause redirects, modify browsers and gather vulnerable data.

How did InteractivePremium install on my computer?

PUAs are often downloaded/installed inadvertently with other products. This deceptive marketing tactic of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".

By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps, etc.), many users endanger their systems with potential infiltration and infections originating from bundled content. Some PUAs have "official" promotional pages from which they can be downloaded.

When clicked, intrusive ads can execute scripts designed to download/install PUAs without users' permission.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

All products should be researched to verify their legitimacy and downloaded only from official/trustworthy sources. Unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders are untrusted and can offer likewise suspect content.

When downloading/installing, you are advised to read the terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of all additional apps, tools, features and so on. Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate and harmless, however, they can redirect to dubious and suspicious websites (e.g. pornography, adult-dating, gambling, etc.).

If you encounter these ads/redirects, check the system and remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with InteractivePremium, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once InteractivePremium installation is complete:

pop-up displayed once InteractivePremium installation is done

InteractivePremium redirecting users to Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net:

InteractivePremium redirecting users to Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net

InteractivePremium adware installation folder:

InteractivePremium adware install 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:

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

InteractivePremium adware removal:

Remove InteractivePremium-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.

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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.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

QR Code
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Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by InteractivePremium on your mobile device.
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