How to remove BrowseFrequency adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
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 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.
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. |
Adware examples
DeployPlatform, DebugRootMouse, BackupTelephone, OptimalBrowser, 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:
BrowseFrequency 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 BrowseFrequency?
- STEP 1. Remove BrowseFrequency related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove BrowseFrequency ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove BrowseFrequency adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove BrowseFrequency ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove BrowseFrequency adware using Combo Cleaner:
BrowseFrequency adware removal:
Remove BrowseFrequency-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?
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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