FieldIndexer Adware (Mac)

What is FieldIndexer?

FieldIndexer is classified as adware, since it feeds users with various advertisements. Commonly, apps of this type collect information relating to users' browsing habits, and this might also be the case with FieldIndexer. Additionally, it could be designed to promote a fake search engine (function as a browser hijacker).

In most cases, users download and install adware inadvertently and, for this reason, the programs are classified as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

FieldIndexer adware

Typically, applications such as FieldIndexer generate revenue for the developers by serving various advertisements (e.g., banners, coupons, surveys, pop-up ads). Users who click these ads often arrive at dubious web pages. Sometimes the ads cause download and/or installation of PUAs, when the ads execute certain scripts.

Furthermore, adware can be designed to collect browsing data. For example, IP addresses, geolocations, entered search queries, addresses of visited websites. They can also gather sensitive information. The data could be sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) or misused to generate revenue in other ways.

As mentioned, FieldIndexer might function as a browser hijacker - it could be designed to change browser settings. Typically, browser hijackers promote fake search engines by assigning their address as the homepage, default search engine and address of a new tab.

Users often cannot remove the addresses promoted by browser hijackers and/or adware from browser settings, unless they uninstall the rogue app. Therefore, FieldIndexer should never be downloaded or installed.

Threat Summary:
Name	Ads by FieldIndexer
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 (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quite often apps such as FieldIndexer are advertised as legitimate applications that supposedly improve the browsing experience, include various features, etc., however, most are useless. Furthermore, installation can result in problems relating to online privacy, browsing safety or even identity theft.

If this app is installed on your browser and/or operating system, remove it immediately. Some examples of other apps similar to FieldIndexer are OperativeDevice, SkilledOrigin and OptimalSync.

How did FieldIndexer install on my computer?

Users often download and install adware (and other PUAs) through the set-ups of other programs. Commonly, apps of this type are included as 'additional offers' with related information in settings such as "Custom", "Advanced", and "Manual". Many people fail to check and change these settings when they download and install their programs.

By leaving them unchanged, they allow PUAs to infiltrate with regular software. This PUA distribution method is called "bundling". Note that unwanted downloads and installations can also be caused by clicking deceptive advertisements that run certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

All software should be downloaded from official websites and via direct links. Sources/tools such as Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), unofficial websites, third party downloaders and installers, free file hosting pages, etc., should not be used to download/install files or programs, since they are commonly used to distribute PUAs.

Check all "Custom", "Advanced" and other settings, and decline offers to download or install unwanted software before completing the process. Do not click advertisements that are displayed on dubious websites, as they can open untrusted websites or download and install unwanted, potentially malicious software.

Remove all unwanted, suspicious extensions, add-ons and plug-ins that are installed on the browser. Also remove software of this kind that is installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with FieldIndexer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once FieldIndexer installation is complete:

pop-up displayed once FieldIndexer installation is done

Deceptive application installer promoting FieldIndexer adware:

fieldindexer adware contents folder

Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner

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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

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

Video showing how to remove FieldIndexer adware using Combo Cleaner:

FieldIndexer adware removal:

Remove FieldIndexer-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.

DOWNLOAD remover for malware infections

Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

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 1 Check 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 2 Check 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 3 Check 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

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4 Check 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 5 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.

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

Remove 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.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

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

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

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".