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How to remove BrowseFrequency adware and the adverts it displays

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

What kind of application is BrowseFrequency?

Our research team discovered the BrowseFrequency application while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal site. We determined that this piece of software is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.

BrowseFrequency adware

BrowseFrequency adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It generates revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and deceptive advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, coupons, etc.) can be displayed on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others.

It is noteworthy that this software might require specific conditions to run intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether the BrowseFrequency app delivers ads – its presence on a system remains a threat.

Adware-displayed advertisements predominantly promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that while legitimate products or services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

It is pertinent to mention that AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking qualities; however, BrowseFrequency did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.

Additionally, BrowseFrequency likely gathers sensitive user information. Targeted data may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can then be monetized through sale to third-parties.

In summary, advertising-supported software like BrowseFrequency can cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by BrowseFrequency
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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), 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

DeployPlatformDebugRootMouseBackupTelephoneOptimalBrowser, and ConnectionLocator are just some examples of adware-type apps we have investigated recently.

Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers a broad range of handy features. However, the promised functions are usually fake and nonoperational – they serve the purpose of bait to trick users into downloading/installing the software.

It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.

How did BrowseFrequency install on my computer?

The bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is commonly used to distribute adware.

Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps/sections, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.

Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users primarily access these pages via redirects generated by websites that utilize 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. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources.

Installation processes must be treated with care. Therefore, we recommend reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., applications, extensions, tools, features, etc.).

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).

If you continuously encounter advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect apps and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with BrowseFrequency, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once BrowseFrequency installation is complete

BrowseFrequency adware's installation folder:

BrowseFrequency 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 BrowseFrequency adware using Combo Cleaner:

BrowseFrequency adware removal:

Remove BrowseFrequency-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?

Advertising-supported software delivers ads that promote harmful content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. It can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware is classified as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware operates by displaying adverts on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. Some adware types can also generate redirects and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and so on.

Will Combo Cleaner remove BrowseFrequency adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all the adware-type apps present. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, various file leftovers stay hidden within the system even after the adware has been removed. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount 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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