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Removal instructions for NetDevelopment adware

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

What kind of application is NetDevelopment?

NetDevelopment is a rogue application that our research team discovered while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal site. This app runs intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., displays ads), and due to this behavior – it is classified as advertising-support software (adware). NetDevelopment belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

NetDevelopment adware

NetDevelopment adware overview

Adware is designed to feed users with advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, coupons, surveys, etc.) is displayed on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if NetDevelopment does not display ads – its presence on a device remains a threat.

Adware-delivered advertisements predominantly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Note that while legitimate products/services may be encountered via these adverts – they are highly unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities; however, we did not observe any such traits while investigating NetDevelopment.

This rogue app likely gathers private data. Adware typically collects the following information: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The sensitive data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like NetDevelopment on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by NetDevelopment
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

We have analyzed countless adware-type applications; NanoServiceVersionTrustSageFine – are just a couple of examples. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. It lures users into downloading/installing it with promises of various useful features, which are rarely operational.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did NetDevelopment install on my computer?

The bundling marketing tactic – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.

Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors enter these pages via redirects generated by websites that use rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom/Advance" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, and so on.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with NetDevelopment, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once NetDevelopment installation is complete

NetDevelopment adware's installation folder:

NetDevelopment 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 NetDevelopment adware using Combo Cleaner:

NetDevelopment adware removal:

Remove NetDevelopment-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-displayed advertisements can promote content capable of causing severe issues, such as system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc. The presence of this software on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware is known to have data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classified as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying adverts on various interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and collect vulnerable information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

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

Will Combo Cleaner remove NetDevelopment adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file leftovers get left behind. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause problems. 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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