How to eliminate HandlerDivision adware from your Mac

What kind of application is HandlerDivision?

HandlerDivision is a rogue app discovered by our research team during a routine review of file submissions to the VirusTotal site. Upon inspection, we determined that this application is adware from the AdLoad malware family. HandlerDivision is designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns and may have additional harmful capabilities.

HandlerDivision adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software; its purpose is to generate revenue through advertising. Adware primarily does so by displaying ads on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others.

It must be mentioned that this software might not run intrusive ad campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Even if HandlerDivision does not display advertisements – the application's presence on a system remains a threat.

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

Keep in mind that any genuine products/services encountered through these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

While we have found multiple instances of adware from the AdLoad group possessing browser hijacker abilities, we did not observe these traits during our examination of HandlerDivision.

Advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of HandlerDivision. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, software like HandlerDivision may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by HandlerDivision
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), 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 investigated numerous adware-type apps; ExplorerServer, AssistiveFormat, TaskAnalyzer, VisualFlexibility, and ExploreFast are just some of our latest finds.

While advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers useful functionalities – it seldom operates as promised. However, it must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.

How did HandlerDivision install on my computer?

"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware. Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.

Adware is also endorsed on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects generated by intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Additionally, advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive adverts. Some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations when they are clicked.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, examining possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.

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

If you keep encountering such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with HandlerDivision, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

HandlerDivision 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 HandlerDivision?
• STEP 1. Remove HandlerDivision related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove HandlerDivision ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove HandlerDivision adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove HandlerDivision ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove HandlerDivision adware using Combo Cleaner:

HandlerDivision adware removal:

Remove HandlerDivision-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?

The presence of adware on a device may result in decreased browsing quality and system performance. This software delivers advertisements that endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Adware usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It can display adverts on various interfaces. Additionally, some adware types are capable of force-opening sites and gathering sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, products, services, applications, browser extensions, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove HandlerDivision adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (performed without security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system, and they might continue running. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.

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