How to remove the ConsoleConnection adware from your operating system?

What is ConsoleConnection?

ConsoleConnection is a rogue app classified as adware. Additionally, it has browser hijacker traits. Due to the questionable methods used to distribute software products within these classifications, they are also considered to be PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).

ConsoleConnection adware in detail

Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other intrusive ads) on any visited website and/or different interfaces. The delivered advertisements diminish the browsing experience and pose a threat to device/user safety. Once clicked on, intrusive adverts redirect to unreliable/malicious sites, and some can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs).

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

Fraudulent web searchers usually cannot generate search results, so they redirect to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other legitimate search engines. Browser hijackers also use persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from restoring their browsers.

What is more, PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) typically have data tracking abilities. Information of interest includes: browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, personally identifiable details, and so on. The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ConsoleConnection
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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

MemoryField, ExecutiveProduct, ConnectionCache, and ModuleService are some examples of apps within the adware category. This software appears legitimate and offers "handy" features, which are seldom operational.

This is true of practically all PUAs. Instead of delivering on any promises, unwanted apps can run intrusive ad campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects, and collect private data.

How did ConsoleConnection install on my computer?

PUAs are spread using the "bundling" method - packing regular programs with various additions. Rushed download/installation processes increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device. Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well. Upon being clicked, the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission. Some PUAs can have "official" download webpages.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is advised to research software and download it from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - often offer bundled content.

When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out from all supplements. Intrusive ads appear legitimate; however, they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).

In case of encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, the device must be checked and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - removed from it without delay. If your computer is already infected with ConsoleConnection, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

ConsoleConnection adware's installation 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:

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

Video showing how to remove ConsoleConnection adware using Combo Cleaner:

ConsoleConnection adware removal:

Remove ConsoleConnection-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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

The direct threats posed by adware are - diminished browsing experience and system performance. However, the ads displayed by adware can promote dubious/malicious sites - visiting which can cause other serious problems.

What does adware do?

Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software displays various ads.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns. For what adware developers receive commissions - varies; it may be from the amount of adverts delivered, number of clicks on said ads, times the promoted products/services were purchased, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ConsoleConnection adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type applications installed. It is worth noting that manual removal may leave some adware components (e.g., leftover files) behind. These remnants may continue running and subsequently cause issues.

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