How to uninstall SectionChannel adware from your operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is SectionChannel?
SectionChannel is an adware-type application with browser hijacker traits. It is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns and promote fake search engines through modifications made to browser settings.
Additionally, software of this type usually has data tracking abilities, which are used to collect browsing-related and other sensitive information. Users rarely download/install SectionChannel and apps similar to it intentionally, due to this - it is also categorized as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application).
One of the dubious techniques used in SectionChannel's distribution is proliferation via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. It is noteworthy that illegitimate software updaters/installers are employed to spread malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, etc.) as well.
Adware delivers pop-ups, surveys, banners, coupons, and other intrusive adverts. This third-party graphical content can be placed on any visited website and/or different interfaces.
These ads severely diminish the browsing experience by overlaying webpage content and limiting the browsing speed. Intrusive advertisements promote (by redirecting to) various sale-oriented, misleading, untrustworthy, rogue, deceptive/scam, and malicious sites.
Furthermore, some of these ads can execute scripts to stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs) - once they are clicked on. Browser hijackers assign the addresses of fake web searchers as browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs.
Hence, every single browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address. Fake search engines typically cannot provide search results, so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Yahoo, Bing, Google, and other legitimate ones.
Browser hijackers can undo any changes users try to make to their browsers and/or restrict/deny access to the browser settings outright. Therefore, restoring a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it.
Most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) have data tracking abilities. Targeted information includes (but is not limited to): visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, IP addresses/ geolocations, and personally identifiable details.
The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties, likewise intent on misusing it for profit. In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices - can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
To ensure device integrity and user privacy, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated without delay.
| Name | Ads by SectionChannel |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names (.system) | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Fortinet (Adware/Adload!OSX), Ikarus (Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Adload), Symantec (OSX.Trojan.Gen.2), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (.service) | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), Cyren (MacOS/Adload.A.gen!Camelot), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Ikarus (Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Adload), 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. |
ExtendedField, BoostConsole, FlexibleSector, and OriginalTechSearch are some examples of applications within the adware category. They tend to appear legitimate and offer various functionalities. However, the promised features are seldom operational.
This applies to practically all PUAs. The sole goal of unwanted apps is to generate revenue for the developers; they have no real value to users. PUAs operate by running intrusive advert campaigns, hijacking browsers, force-opening unreliable/malicious websites, and collecting vulnerable and private data.
How did SectionChannel install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed via downloaders/installers of other products. This false marketing method of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is named "bundling".
By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using pre-set options, etc.) - users risk inadvertently allowing bundled content into their devices.
Upon being clicked, intrusive adverts can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without user permission. These applications may also have "official" promotional/download pages.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is important to always research products before download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be done from official and verified sources.
Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - commonly offer harmful and bundled content. When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from additional apps, tools, features, etc.
Intrusive advertisements appear ordinary and innocuous; however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.). Should users encounter ads and/or redirects of this kind, they must check their devices and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins.
If your computer is already infected with SectionChannel, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed when SectionChannel adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"SectionChanneld" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Delusive installer (fake Flash updater) promoting SectionChannel adware;
First installation step:
Second installation step:
Files related to the SectionChannel adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.SectionChannel.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.SectionChannel.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.SectionChannel.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.SectionChannel.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like SectionChannel alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you'll have to restore them manually.
Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.
Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.
Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".
Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also set the settings of each protocol to default - "*.local, 169.254/16".
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 SectionChannel?
- STEP 1. Remove SectionChannel related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SectionChannel ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SectionChannel adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SectionChannel ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SectionChannel adware using Combo Cleaner:
SectionChannel adware removal:
Remove SectionChannel-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.
Outstanding!
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