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How to remove ConfigAccess adware from your operating system?

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

What is ConfigAccess?

ConfigAccess is a rogue application categorized as adware. It also has browser hijacker traits. This app delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns and modifies browser settings to promote fake search engines. Furthermore, such software typically has data tracking abilities.

Due to the dubious methods used to distribute adware and browser hijackers, they are also classified as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). One of the most common distribution techniques is proliferation via fake Adobe Flash Player updates.

ConfigAccess adware

ConfigAccess adware in detail

Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content on any visited website and/or different interfaces. This software delivers various pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, full-page, and other intrusive advertisements. These ads may appear to be just a nuisance, but they severely diminish the browsing experience and endanger device/user safety.

The adverts overlay webpages and slow down the browsing speed. Intrusive advertisements endorse various sale-based, untrustworthy, deceptive/scam, and malicious sites. What is more, some of these ads can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs) - once clicked on.

Browser hijackers reassign browsers' homepage, new tab/window, and default search engine URLs - to fake web searcher addresses. Hence, every new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted search engine.

Fake web searchers usually cannot generate search results, so they redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other legitimate ones. Browser hijackers can restrict/deny access to the browser settings, and/or reset any permitted changed made. Therefore, restoring a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it.

Furthermore, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers) can track data. Information of interest includes: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses, personally identifiable details, and so on. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can result in system infections, financial losses, severe privacy issues, and even identity theft. To protect device integrity and user privacy, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated immediately upon detection.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ConfigAccess
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Generic.22793), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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.

Adware in general

ConnectSystemAccessDefaultMapperState, and UpgradeFilter are a few examples of adware-type apps. They appear legitimate and harmless. Adware also offers a wide variety of "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, the advertised functions are seldom operational.

Practically all PUAs lure users into download/installation with features that do not work. The only aim of unwanted software is to generate profit for the developers. Therefore, instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can run intrusive advertisement campaigns, hijack browsers, and collect private data.

How did ConfigAccess install on my computer?

PUAs are distributed through download/installation setups of other software. This deceptive marketing tactic of packing regular programs with unwanted or malicious additions - is termed "bundling". Rushed download/insulation processes (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps and sections, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Intrusive advertisements are used to spread PUAs as well. Upon being clicked, the adverts can execute scripts to make download/installation these applications without user consent. Some PUAs have "official" promotional webpages from which they can be downloaded and.or purchased.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is recommended to research software prior to download/installation and/or purchase. Only official and verified download channels must be used. Untrustworthy sources, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - commonly offer deceptive and harmful content.

Download and installation processes must be approached with caution. Therefore, it is important to read terms, explore all available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings to decline downloading/installing supplementary apps, tools, functions, and other additions.

Intrusive adverts appear ordinary; however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.). In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, the system must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - removed from it without delay.

If your computer is already infected with ConfigAccess, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once ConfigAccess adware's installation is over:

Pop-up displayed once ConfigAccess installation is complete

ConfigAccess adware's installation folder:

ConfigAccess adware install folder

ConfigAccess adware installed onto the Safari browser:

ConfigAccess adware installed onto Safari

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 ConfigAccess adware using Combo Cleaner:

ConfigAccess adware removal:

Remove ConfigAccess-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.

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.

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Removal Instructions in other languages
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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