How to eliminate InitialConnection adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is InitialConnection?
While inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, our researchers found the InitialConnection rogue application. Our analysis of this app revealed that it operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family. InitialConnection is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, and it may have additional harmful abilities.
InitialConnection adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces. These adverts endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It must be mentioned that any genuine content encountered through these ads is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Adware might not deliver advert campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, visits to particular websites are not made, or other specific conditions are unsuitable. However, even if InitialConnection does not display advertisements - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety regardless.
AdLoad advertising-supported software commonly has browser-hijacking functionalities. This might apply to the InitialConnection app, although we did not observe any such behavior during testing.
Furthermore, this application likely has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like InitialConnection on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by InitialConnection |
| 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.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
We have analyzed thousands of apps like InitialConnection; ActiveAnalyzer, AdvantageMethod, ExtendedSample, and MainFrameSelect are just some examples.
Advertising-supported software typically appears ordinary and innocuous. It entices users into download/installation with promises of various functionalities. However, these features seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonfunctional.
How did InitialConnection install on my computer?
"Bundling" - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements - is used to proliferate adware. Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installations (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player installers/updaters are used in distribution. Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
Advertising-supported software can also be pushed via "official" promotional webpages and scam sites. Most users access such websites through redirects caused by mistyped URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/trustworthy channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
Another recommendation is to be cautious when browsing - as illegitimate and malicious content usually looks harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may appear ordinary and innocuous - yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads/redirects of this type, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with InitialConnection, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once InitialConnection adware's installation is over:
InitialConnection 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 InitialConnection?
- STEP 1. Remove InitialConnection related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove InitialConnection ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove InitialConnection adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove InitialConnection ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove InitialConnection adware using Combo Cleaner:
InitialConnection adware removal:
Remove InitialConnection-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 usually has data-tracking functionalities - hence, this software is also considered to be a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware displays ads that endorse deceptive/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware operates by displaying advertisements on visited sites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, advertising-supported software may be capable of force-opening websites and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue mainly via affiliate programs by promoting a wide variety of content. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove InitialConnection adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed - remnants (files) stay within the system. The remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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