How to eliminate HelperView adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is HelperView?
Our researchers discovered HelperView while reviewing new submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon examination, it became clear that this application is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. HelperView is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, and it might have other capabilities.
HelperView adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It delivers intrusive ad campaigns, typically by placing third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces.
These adverts can endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Any genuine products/services encountered through these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers seeking to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.
Software within this classification might not operate as designed if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Yet even if HelperView does not display ads – the app remains a threat to device/user safety.
We have found many AdLoad adware-type apps that exhibit browser-hijacking qualities – however, we did not observe these traits while examining HelperView.
Advertising-supported software usually possesses data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to the HelperView application. Adware tends to target browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information. The gathered data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like HelperView on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by HelperView |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.5), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.g), 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
CyclePanel, DefaultView, and DiscoveryAdmin are merely a couple examples of adware we have investigated recently. Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and innocuous.
Users may be enticed into downloading/installing it by offers of various "handy" functionalities. These features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.
Remember that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did HelperView install on my computer?
Adware is promoted on deceptive websites, which may use various lures to entice users (e.g., useful features, discounts, scare tactics, etc.).
Most visitors enter these pages via redirects generated by sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).
"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to distribute this software. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps and sections, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – pose a risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Some of the ads can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with care by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, features, etc.).
Fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate/innocuous – therefore, we advise vigilance while browsing. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with HelperView, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once HelperView adware's installation is over:
HelperView 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 HelperView?
- STEP 1. Remove HelperView related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove HelperView ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove HelperView adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove HelperView ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
HelperView adware removal:
Remove HelperView-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?
Having adware installed on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. The advertisements delivered by this software promote content that may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware is considered to be a privacy threat since it typically has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It is capable of displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, and other ads) on various interfaces. Advertising-supported software may also force-open webpages and collect vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, tools, products, services, and other content. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove HelperView adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove all adware-type applications that are installed. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion