FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

How to remove TrackFrequency adware from the operating system

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

What is TrackFrequency?

TrackFrequency is a rogue app, which we discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware, and that it belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

TrackFrequency adware

TrackFrequency adware overview

It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may require certain conditions (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.) to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. However, regardless of whether TrackFrequency (or other adware) displays advertisements or not - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

Adware-delivered adverts promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can stealthily download/install software once clicked on.

It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are highly unlikely to be promoted by their developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate program to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, TrackFrequency might have browser-hijacking functionalities, as they are common for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during testing.

What is more, TrackFrequency likely has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software usually targets browsing-related information, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, financial/banking data, etc. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

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

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by TrackFrequency
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.G), 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 examples

PlusTargetHotCompleteSampleLight, and TaskCentral are just some examples of the adware-type apps we have analyzed. Advertising-supported software typically appears innocuous and offers "handy" and "advantageous" features. However, the promised functions are seldom operational, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

How did TrackFrequency install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using the bundling technique - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of permitting bundled content into the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well.

Additionally, intrusive advertisements are used to spread advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can make downloads/installations without user permission.

Adware can also have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted through scam websites. Most users enter such pages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and only downloading it from official/verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.

Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive adverts appear legitimate yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).

If you experience such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with TrackFrequency, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once TrackFrequency installation is complete

TrackFrequency adware's installation folder:

TrackFrequency adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove TrackFrequency adware using Combo Cleaner:

TrackFrequency adware removal:

Remove TrackFrequency-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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware endangers device integrity and user safety. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered to be a privacy threat since adware usually has data tracking functionalities. Furthermore, the advertisements displayed by this software promote deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. It may also force-open sites and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue mainly through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, products, services, and so on. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove TrackFrequency adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all the adware-type applications present. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, despite the adware itself having been (manually) removed - various file remnants are left behind in the system. What is more, such components might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, eliminating adware thoroughly - is paramount.

▼ Show Discussion

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.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by TrackFrequency QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by TrackFrequency on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Mac malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner for Mac

Platform: macOS

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.