How to uninstall ConnectionIndexer adware from the operating system

What is ConnectionIndexer adware?

ConnectionIndexer is an adware-type application with browser hijacker traits. Following successful infiltration, it runs intrusive advertisement campaigns, makes modifications to browser settings and promotes fake search engines.

ConnectionIndexer promotes Safe Finder, 0yrvtrh.com or search.dominantmethod.com (the latter on Google Chrome browsers) through akamaihd.net. Additionally, most adware and browser hijackers collect information relating to browsing activity. Due to the dubious methods used to proliferate ConnectionIndexer, it is categorized as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).

One of the techniques employed to proliferate it is via a fake Adobe Flash Player updater/installer. Note that bogus software updaters/installers often distribute Trojans, ransomware and other malware as well as PUAs.

Adware enables the placement of pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons and other intrusive ads, typically, on any visited website. Therefore, the ads do not originate from the sites and are delivered by adware. These ads significantly diminish the browsing experience, since they overlay web page content and reduce browsing speed.

When clicked, intrusive advertisements redirect to dubious/malicious web pages and some can stealthily download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs). Browser hijackers (with which ConnectionIndexer shares capabilities) reassigns the homepage default search engine and new browser tab/window URLs.

With this software installed, each search query typed into the URL bar and new browser tab/window opened redirects to the promoted address. ConnectionIndexer promotes Safe Finder, 0yrvtrh.com or search.dominantmethod.com (on Chrome) via akamaihd.net in this manner.

Fake search engines are usually unable to provide search results, and so they redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google and other legitimate sites. Browser hijackers can also deny access to the browser settings and/or undo any permitted changes made. As mentioned, most PUAs have data tracking capabilities.

They can monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect personal information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). This sensitive information is often shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

Therefore, the presence of data-tracking software on devices can lead to financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft. To ensure device integrity and user safety, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ConnectionIndexer
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Endgame (Malicious (high Confidence)), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.i), 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), 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.

CentralLot, Docallisec and SectionBrowser are some examples of other adware-type apps. They may seem legitimate and useful, however, their advertised functionality is rarely operational. In fact, this information is true of most PUAs. The sole purpose of this unwanted software is to generate revenue at users' expense.

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

How did ConnectionIndexer install on my computer?

PUAs are often downloaded/installed with other products. This deceptive marketing tactic of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling". By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps, using pre-set options, etc.), many users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content into their devices.

Certain PUAs have "official" download sites. Intrusive advertisements proliferate these applications as well. Once clicked, the ads can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without users' permission.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

You are strongly advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and trustworthy download channels. Dubious sources such as unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders commonly offer deceptive and/or bundled content.

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

If you encounter ads and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins without delay. If your computer is already infected with ConnectionIndexer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Delusive application installer promoting ConnectionIndexer adware (step 1):

Delusive application installer promoting ConnectionIndexer adware (step 2):

Pop-up window displayed once ConnectionIndexer installation is complete:

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

ConnectionIndexer adware installation folder:

ConnectionIndexer adware installed onto the Safari browser:

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

Video showing how to remove ConnectionIndexer adware using Combo Cleaner:

ConnectionIndexer adware removal:

Remove ConnectionIndexer-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.

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