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Removal instructions for the ConnectedField adware

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

What is ConnectedField?

We discovered the ConnectedField application during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. On our test system, this app ran intrusive ad campaigns, and due to this behavior - it is considered to be adware. Additionally, ConnectedField belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

ConnectedField adware

ConnectedField adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software displays ads on various interfaces.

The delivered adverts endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and malware. Some intrusive advertisements are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations - upon being clicked.

It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate content encountered through these ads is most likely promoted by scammers abusing its affiliate programs - in order to acquire commissions fraudulently.

Advertising-supported software may need specific conditions to run intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if ConnectedField does not display adverts - its presence endangers device/user safety.

AdLoad adware tends to have browser-hijacking functionalities, although ConnectedField did not exhibit any during testing.

Furthermore, this app likely has data-tracking abilities. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

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

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ConnectedField
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.
▼ 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

We have inspected countless adware samples; PrimaryRotatorAlphaExplorer, and CharacterGeneration are merely a couple of our newest finds. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers "handy" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are nonoperational.

How did ConnectedField install on my computer?

"Bundling" - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions - is used to proliferate adware. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing installation (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player installers/updaters are used in distribution. Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Advertising-supported software can also have "official" download pages, and it is promoted on scam websites. Most users access such sites via redirects caused by webpages using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Furthermore, installation must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of additional apps, extensions, etc.

Another recommendation is to be cautious when browsing since fraudulent and malicious material usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ConnectedField, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once ConnectedField installation is complete

ConnectedField adware's installation folder:

ConnectedField 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 ConnectedField adware using Combo Cleaner:

ConnectedField adware removal:

Remove ConnectedField-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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 delivers adverts promoting deceptive and malicious content that can cause severe issues, e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc. Furthermore, this software is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. It displays ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open sites and collect private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ConnectedField adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed - various files stay on the system. Furthermore, these remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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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.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

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