How to remove the NetDivision adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is NetDivision?
NetDivision is an application that our researchers discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
NetDivision adware overview
Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to enable the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
The displayed ads promote unreliable/harmful websites and software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software - upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered through these ads are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their actual developers. This promotion is primarily undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It has to be mentioned that adware may require certain conditions to be met (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.) in order to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. However, regardless of whether NetDivision (or other adware) delivers adverts or not - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Furthermore, NetDivision may have browser hijacker traits as they are common for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during our analysis.
It is also likely that NetDivision has data tracking functionalities. Advertising-supported software usually collects the following information: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like NetDivision on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by NetDivision |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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. |
Adware examples
AuraLookup, GenerateExplorer, OnlineDisplay, and CrossSign are just a few examples of the adware-type apps we have analyzed.
This software typically appears legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into downloading/installing advertising-supported software with promises of various "advantageous" features. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did NetDivision install on my computer?
Adware is commonly proliferated using the "bundling" marketing technique - packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of permitting bundled content into the system.
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in distribution. Intrusive adverts are used to spread advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can make stealthy downloads/installations.
Adware is endorsed through deceptive promotional webpages and scam sites. Most users enter websites of this kind via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and only downloading from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive adverts look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience ads and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with NetDivision, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once NetDivision adware's installation is over:
NetDivision 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 NetDivision?
- STEP 1. Remove NetDivision related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove NetDivision ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove NetDivision adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove NetDivision ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove NetDivision adware using Combo Cleaner:
NetDivision adware removal:
Remove NetDivision-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?
Adware can diminish browsing experience and system performance. It usually has data tracking abilities, which make this software a threat to user privacy. Furthermore, adware-displayed advertisements promote dubious/malicious content that may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of various ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types may also be capable of force-opening webpages and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, etc. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove NetDivision adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, although the adware itself has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) get left behind in the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue running and causing problems. Hence, it is essential to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion