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Removing InterfaceHelper adware and the advertisements they display

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

What kind of application is InterfaceHelper?

InterfaceHelper is a rogue application that we discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this app, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. InterfaceHelper displays ads on various interfaces and may have additional harmful functionalities.

InterfaceHelper adware

InterfaceHelper adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces (e.g., visited websites, desktops, etc.).

The advertisements can be pop-ups, overlays, banners, coupons, surveys, and others. They promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered through these advertisements is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Adware may need the browser/system to be compatible, specific sites to be visited, or other suitable conditions – to run intrusive advert campaigns. Regardless of whether InterfaceHelper displays ads – its presence on a device endangers device and user safety.

Furthermore, AdLoad adware commonly has browser-hijacking abilities, but InterfaceHelper did not exhibit them during testing.

What is more, this rogue application likely collects private information. Advertising-supported software typically targets the following data: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like InterfaceHelper may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by InterfaceHelper
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.H), 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), 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

SkilledModuleSearchUpgradeControlSharedKey, and CommonHandler are merely some examples of apps within the adware category.

Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers handy functions. However, the features are rarely operational. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did InterfaceHelper install on my computer?

Bundling – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to proliferate adware. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.

Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Once clicked on, some of the ads 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. Users typically access such webpages through redirects generated by sites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open pages).

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is paramount to research software and download it only from official/trustworthy sources. We recommend approaching installation processes with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional applications, extensions, tools, etc.

We advise caution while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable/harmful websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

Should you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious apps and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with InterfaceHelper, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once InterfaceHelper installation is complete

InterfaceHelper adware's installation folder:

InterfaceHelper 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 InterfaceHelper adware using Combo Cleaner:

InterfaceHelper adware removal:

Remove InterfaceHelper-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?

The presence of adware on a device may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays advertisements capable of causing serious problems, such as system infections, financial losses, and others. Furthermore, advertising-supported software is classified as a privacy threat since it typically collects private data.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to display ads on various interfaces. Additionally, this software may generate redirects and gather vulnerable information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit is generated via affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove InterfaceHelper adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file remnants stay within the system. The hidden components may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software 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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