How to remove UniversalHandler from Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is UniversalHandler?
After examining UniversalHandler, we learned that it is an untrustworthy application designed to generate intrusive advertisements. Apps of this type are classified as adware (advertising-supported applications). It is uncommon for adware to be downloaded and installed willfully. We discovered UniversalHandler after using a fake installer.
UniversalHandler adware in detail
Clicking on advertisements generated by UniversalHandler opens shady websites. For example, pages requesting sensitive information, encouraging to download dubious apps, urging to call fake technical support numbers, asking permission to show notifications, etc. Also, clicking them can cause unexpected downloads or even installations.
After examining numerous apps similar to UniversalHandler, we learned that sometimes they can hijack web browsers by changing their settings. In such cases, they not only show unwanted ads but also force users to browse the Internet using fake search engines. Search engines of this kind promote untrustworthy websites and (or) show results by shady (or legitimate) search engines.
| Name | Ads by UniversalHandler |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names (.system) | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.15), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Agent.u), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (.service) | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.15), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Agent.u), 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 in general
Adware is often promoted as useful, legitimate software. Nevertheless, it always displays intrusive advertisements that may open untrustworthy pages. Sometimes, adware can access sensitive information. Thus, it is strongly recommended not to install adware and remove already installed software of this type as soon as possible.
More adware examples are MinimalEnergy, TeachPad, and OperationReview.
How did UniversalHandler install on my computer?
UniversalHandler is distributed via a fake Adobe Flash Player installer that can be downloaded from various deceptive websites. Also, adware can be installed via untrustworthy ads designed to run certain scripts and software bundles.
When adware is bundled with other apps, installers have "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings. Users install adware alongside other software when they leave those settings unchanged. Either way, users rarely download and install adware on purpose.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Do not complete downloads and installations until unwanted apps (optional downloads and installations) are deselected. Also, do not click on advertisements displayed on suspicious pages or allow such pages to show notifications. Download apps from official pages and stores (do not use third-party downloaders, P2P networks, and similar sources).
If your computer is already infected with UniversalHandler, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Fake installer promoting UniversalHandler adware (first installation step):
Fake installer promoting UniversalHandler adware (second installation step):
A pop-up that shows up while UniversalHandler is installed:
Text in this notification:
"UniversalHandlerd" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Files related to the UniversalHandler adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.UniversalHandler.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.UniversalHandler.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.UniversalHandler.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.UniversalHandler.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like UniversalHandler alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you'll have to restore them manually.
Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.
Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.
Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".
Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also set the settings of each protocol to default - "*.local, 169.254/16".
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 UniversalHandler?
- STEP 1. Remove UniversalHandler related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove UniversalHandler ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove UniversalHandler adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove UniversalHandler ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove UniversalHandler adware using Combo Cleaner:
UniversalHandler adware removal:
Remove UniversalHandler-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?
It can diminish the web browsing experience by showing ads that cover the contents of visited pages, affect computer performance, invade privacy, and (or) cause other issues.
What does adware do?
In most cases, adware displays annoying advertisements. Sometimes, it can have additional capabilities (to hijack a web browser or collect information).
How do adware developers generate revenue?
The most popular way to make money using adware is to participate in affiliate programs. Affiliates generate revenue by promoting various pages, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove UniversalHandler adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan the operating system and remove all adware. Manual removal does not always work (file leftovers remain in the system even after the removal). Thus, we recommend using Combo Cleaner for removal (remove adware automatically).
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