How to remove BitService adware and the ads it delivers

What kind of application is BitService?

Our researchers discovered BitService while investigating file submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon inspection, we learned that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. BitService is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns.

BitService adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It usually operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces. The advertisements endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.

It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate content may be encountered through these ads – it is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers. It is most likely that this promotion is undertaken by scammers seeking to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed product's affiliate programs.

Adware might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, specific websites are not visited, etc.). However, even if BitService does not display adverts – its presence endangers device/user safety.

Furthermore, AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking capabilities. Although, we did not observe these functionalities while analyzing BitService.

What is more, advertising-supported software typically collects private data, and such abilities might be possessed by BitService. Information of interest can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The collected information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, the presence of software like BitService on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by BitService
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), 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

LocalAgent, FractionView, WirelessBrowser, TerabyteLogoff, and CommonScheduler are merely some examples of adware-type apps we have examined recently.

Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and harmless. Users may be enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of "handy" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

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

How did BitService install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.

Additionally, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam websites. Most users access such webpages via redirects generated by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, opting out of all applications, extensions, tools, etc.

We also advise being cautious while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove BitService adware using Combo Cleaner:

BitService adware removal:

Remove BitService-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?

Adware-delivered advertisements endorse content that may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, adware is also classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It can display ads on various interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and collect vulnerable data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, tools, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove BitService adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software.

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