Removal instructions for NavigateNetwork adware

What is NavigateNetwork?

NavigateNetwork is a rogue application that our research team discovered while checking out new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis of this app revealed that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware) and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

NavigateNetwork adware overview

Adware may need specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, whether NavigateNetwork works as designed is irrelevant since its presence on a system endangers device/user safety regardless.

Adware-delivered advertisements promote online scams, dubious/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts are capable of making downloads/installations without user permission - once clicked on.

Note that any legitimate products encountered through these ads are highly unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, NavigateNetwork might have browser hijacker functionalities since they are common for AdLoad adware; however, we did not observe any during testing.

NavigateNetwork likely collects private data, as is standard for advertising-supported software. Information of interest can include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like NavigateNetwork on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by NavigateNetwork
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

IndexInterface, AspectSkip, DevSoftware, and ClickManager are just some examples of adware that we have analyzed recently. This software typically looks harmless and offers "useful" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions rarely work as advertised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.

How did NavigateNetwork install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using the bundling technique - packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution. Intrusive advertisements also spread advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.

Adware is promoted on dubious download webpages and scam sites as well. Most users access them via redirects caused by webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content typically looks innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements appear legitimate and harmless, yet they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove NavigateNetwork adware using Combo Cleaner:

NavigateNetwork adware removal:

Remove NavigateNetwork-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 the browsing experience and system performance. It is also deemed to be a privacy threat, as this software usually has data tracking abilities. Furthermore, adware-displayed adverts endorse harmful content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove NavigateNetwork adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating all the adware-type apps detected. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, despite the adware itself having been (manually) removed - various components (files) remain in the system. Furthermore, such remnants can continue running and causing issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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