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ConnectedPlatform is an annoying adware-type application that also has some browser hijacker traits. It belongs to an infamous Adload malware family, a widespread threat targeting Mac OS X systems. This potentially unwanted program (PUP) pushes unwanted advertisements and modifies web browser settings to assign a new search engine. Additionally, it collects various information that can be used to deliver targeted promotional content to the user.
Applications such as ConnectedPlatform adware often include many intrusive advertisements in the web surfing experience of regular users. If the user clicks on these advertisements, he is likely to visit a dubious website or run some script that may activate additional PUAs’ download processes or even more dangerous infections.
As previously stated, this application also acts as a browser hijacker. It can promote bogus search engines by assigning new urls for the default homepage, web search, and new tab page. Typically, these search engines are imposers as they simply take user’s search queries and pass them through several redirects, hitting different ad networks before landing the user on a Yahoo or Bing search results.
Such web search tools provide unusual search results and utilize other, more established, and well-known websites to mislead visitors to imagine that it performs a good job and is useful. In reality, their only aim is to generate revenue by causing unwanted redirects that often go unseen by the user.
In addition, ConnectedPlatform has a much more hazardous ability which may have broader implications than an unpleasant browsing experience. You may gather some information related to your browsing habits – it also presents a significant danger to your privacy. Browsing history, IP address, geolocation, search queries — it may gather all of the information and use it to deliver targeted advertisements or even sell this data to third-parties. You can only assume how the information will be utilized.
If you suspect that your Mac is infected with this application, we highly recommend you to remove ConnectedPlatform ads using professional antivirus solution for OS X – INTEGO. You can read its review here.
Remove using INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Mac (includes scanning for iOS devices). The one-of-a-kind security suite provides VirusBarrier X9 real-time protection against Mac and Windows-based malware, removes existing threats and scans for malware in popular e-mail clients. Includes NetBarrier X9, an intelligent firewall for home, work and public connections.
Name | ConnectedPlatform |
Type | Adware |
Activity | Shows advertisements (pop-up ads, new tab ads, banners) regularly, collects browsing-related data such as websites visited and search queries |
Origins | Associated with Adload malware (Mac) |
Detection names | Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13 (B) (Emsisoft), Program:MacOS/Multiverze (Microsoft), MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw] (Avast) see full list on VirusTotal |
Distribution | Software bundles, pop-up ads, fake software update installers, torrents |
Removal | Remove Mac adware and other malware using INTEGO |
There are several alternatives if you question how ConnectedPlatform has managed to infect your machine. First, this adware is known to spread via a false installation of Adobe Flash Player update. It must be noted that false installer may also be used to incorporate harmful software, such as Trojans or ransomware, onto your system.
Second, this specific piece of adware may enter your system using so-called ‘software bundling.’ This is a simple technique, particularly for individuals who prefer to install software unattended from the Internet. The makers of PUAs attach their software to other applications the user originally wishes to install. In Advanced/Custom installation settings, the choices to deselect installation of specific PUA are usually available.
To prevent the installation of ConnectedPlatform and other adware, you need to remember a few things. First, nothing from untrustworthy file-sharing networks and websites should be downloaded.
For example, you may not only be exposed to adware infection but to more dangerous malware by downloading a cracked or Adobe Photoshop activation program via peer-to-peer file sharing clients.
It is advisable to utilize only reliable sites and connections within them. Second, always examine the Advanced/Custom area when installing a program downloaded from the Internet, regardless of how you trust its source. It is also worth mentioning that you should be extremely careful while browsing sites that have a tendency to incorporate ads from untrustworthy ad networks. Typically, you can encounter such ads on websites providing adult-only content, online gambling, torrent listings and similar.
That said, avoid clicking on dubious or excessively intrusive advertisements. In particular, do not allow different untrustworthy pop-ups, plug-ins, or add-ons to perform browser modifications. Be careful while browsing the Internet. Many methods mislead the user into doing something that he doesn’t desire.
Finally, maintain frequent backups to keep your data secure, even if a third-party program alters your system. It’s preferable to keep backups on a physical device away from the Internet and other PCs.
Once you begin to notice symptoms of the adware infection, you should take quick action to remove ConnectedPlatform adware from your system. This is because some kinds of adware may trigger infections in the chain – download more threats to your Mac.
Therefore, start ConnectedPlatform removal as soon as feasible before it damages more than it frustrates your browsing experience. Fortunately, we have prepared instructions on how to remove it quickly. The easiest way to remove unwanted applications and malware is to use a professional antivirus software such as INTEGO.
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Keep your Mac virus-free with INTEGO, an exceptional antivirus with an option to scan other iOS devices. The VirusBarrier X9 offers 24/7 real-time protection against Mac and Windows malware, includes intelligent firewall (NetBarrier X9) for protecting your incoming/outgoing connections at home, work or public hotspots and more.
INTEGO antivirus is one of the leading security products for Mac that includes VirusBarrier X9 and NetBarrier X9 features allowing detection of viruses, ransomware, adware, browser hijackers, Trojans, backdoors and other threats and blocks suspicious network connections. If any detections are found, the software will eliminate them. Learn more about the software's features in its full review.
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ConnectedPlatform adware Removal Tutorial
Use the following guidelines to get rid of ConnectedPlatform adware on Mac. You will need to eliminate suspicious components from several system folders, move unwanted applications to Trash, delete shady profiles and login items created by the potentially unwanted program. Once you complete these steps, follow the instructions how to clean each affected web browser individually.
Eliminate components of unwanted program from Mac system folders
Move unwanted applications to Trash
Remove unwanted startup applications on Mac
Delete malicious configuration profiles
Remove ConnectedPlatform adware from Safari
Uninstall suspicious Safari extensions
Change Safari Homepage and default search engine
Remove push notifications on Safari
Some suspicious websites can try to corrupt your Safari by asking to enable push notifications. If you have accidentally agreed, your browser will be flooded with various intrusive advertisements and pop-ups. You can get rid of them by following this quick guide:
Reset Safari
Remove ConnectedPlatform adware from Google Chrome
Remove suspicious Chrome extensions
Change Start Page settings
Change default search settings
Remove push notifications from Chrome
If you want to get rid of the annoying ads and so-called push-notifications viruses, you must identify their components and clean your browser. You can easily remove ads from Chrome by following these steps:
Reset Google Chrome browser
Remove ConnectedPlatform adware from Mozilla Firefox
Remove unwanted add-ons from Firefox
Change Firefox Homepage
Alter preferences in Firefox
Remove annoying push notifications from Firefox
Suspicious sites that ask to enable push notifications gain access to Mozilla's settings and can deliver intrusive advertisements when browsing the Internet. Therefore, you should remove access to your browser by following these simple steps:
Reset Mozilla Firefox
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Matt Corey is passionate about the latest tech news, gadgets and everything IT. Matt loves to criticize Windows and help people solve problems related to this operating system. When he’s not tinkering around with new gadgets he orders, he enjoys skydiving, as it is his favorite way to clear his mind and relax.
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