HelperService adware (Virus Removal Guide) - Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge

HelperService adware Removal Guide

What is HelperService adware?

HelperService adware – a PUP that bombards Mac users with all kinds of ads

HelperService adwareHelperService is adware-type program with plenty of browser-hijacking qualities

HelperService adware is a potentially unwanted program[1] (PUP) that affects macOS devices and displays an excessive amount of all kinds of advertisements (from fullscreen ads to pop-ups) that impede the normal browsing experience. It slows down the machine and the internet connection.

Furthermore, it has browser hijacker abilities – changes homepage, new tab, and default search engine preferences to another provider, such as Safe Finder, without permission. Infected users can also find an extension attached to their web browsers, regardless if they use Safari, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox.

HelperService virus is spread via fake Flash Player updates and software bundles downloaded from the internet. In particular, this version was observed being delivered via DVLPlayer installer downloaded from insecure sources. While this infection is relatively serious, in this article, we will explain how to remediate your Mac after removing the threat effectively.

name HelperService adware
type Mac virus, adware, browser hijacker
Family Adload – a family known for Mac malware
Symptoms Slower browsing speed and overall performance. Tons of ads, like banners, pop-ups, surveys, etc.
Risks Privacy issues, additional PUP acquirement
Distribution Deceptive ads, software bundles, fake installers
Removal This PUP can be removed with anti-malware tools, but manual attention will also be needed. Full elimination instructions are provided at the bottom of the article
Repair Restore all corrupted, or in any other way damaged system files by using the FortectIntego system repair tool

Potentially unwanted programs weren't created yesterday. They've been around for quite some time now, but people who still don't know how to evade them are being tricked into installing it. PUPs are mainly spread via freeware bundles and deceptive ads. Users should know that no website is able to identify whether a virus infects their device or that its software is out of date. Don't believe misleading ads.

When installing software from a bundle, people have to take their time and don't rush with the Standard/Recommended installation. That's where they get duped. All boxes opting in for installation of every offered app in the bundle are pre-ticked. Pick the Advanced/Custom installation and remove ticks from all preselected software that you don't want, don't need, and didn't even know it would be installed in the first place.

HelperService virus belongs to a prevalent adware family called Adload. Viruses from this family specialize in infecting only devices running on any macOS. The family consists of adware and browser hijackers. The latest versions are OptimalUnit virus, NetInput virus, and AuraSearch virus.

Apart from bombarding users' machines with ads and changing specific browser settings, HelperService adware could be capable of collecting various browsing-related data, including:

  • geolocations
  • IP addresses
  • search queries
  • visited portals, etc.

This information could be sold to or shared with interested third-parties or end up in cybercriminals' hands.

Besides, HelperService ads can redirect people to shady, deceptive, or even malicious websites. These websites could push to allow their notifications, install fake updates, or other PUPs. Any of these choices would increase ad placement even more.

HelperService virusHelperService is a Mac virus that applies an extension to your web browser and changes its settings without permission

That's why our cybersecurity team recommends downloading trustworthy anti-malware software such as Malwarebytes or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner to remove HelperService adware. Run the app and perform a full system scan. Get rid of any suspicious files along with the adware. Afterward, uninstall the browser extension from your browser with our guide at the bottom of this article.

To maintain an excellent device's performance and prevent it from freezing, crashing, and other irregularities, experts[2] recommend using the FortectIntego system tune-up tool right after HelperService removal. This powerful app will restore normal settings and ensure top performance from your machine.

Simple guidelines to increase personal cybersecurity level

Since most countries have some sort of quarantine, cybercriminals have more time on their hands to develop new malware and research new means of distribution. That's why it's essential for all users that use the internet to increase their cybersecurity level. Our expert team compiled a list of guidelines that could help people evade all kinds of malware:

  • Keep backups of all important files. Store them on at least two separate devices, one of them being offline storage.
  • Obtain a professional anti-malware tool. Scan the whole system regularly, and don't forget to update its virus databases.
  • Use powerful system repair tools to keep all system settings and files maintained.
  • Install all the latest updates to your device's operating system and other software.
  • Learn the basic techniques cybercriminals use to spread malware and PUPs by reading our articles

HelperService adware distributionHelperService adware is typically distributed via fake Flash Player installers or software bundle packages

Directions for HelperService adware removal with anti-malware tools

VirusTotal has reported[3] that only 23 out of 63 anti-malware engines have blocked this hybrid of adware and browser hijacker from installing on the device. That reiterates the point of having a professional anti-virus tool watching your back. Here are a few examples of HelperService detection names:

  • Program:MacOS/Uwamson.A!ml
  • Mac/Virus.Adware.3d7
  • MacOS:AdAgent-AB [Adw]
  • ADWARE/OSX.Agent.zbxgl
  • OSX/Agent.BJ

If you don't have a reliable anti-malware tool, now is the time to acquire one. If you have one, then launch it and perform a full system scan. Remove HelperService adware and any other files that the software suggests. If this PUP is installed as a browser extension, you can uninstall it by using our free step-by-step guide provided below. If you are willing to look for malicious entries yourself, check the following locations on your Mac:

~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.helper.service.plist
~/Library/Application Support/HelperService/HelperService

Once HelperService adware removal is done, users should take care of their system files and settings, which most likely got messed up by the PUP. Users shouldn't try and fix these settings by themselves as it is recommended only for highly-experienced users. Use system repair tools to fix all issues automatically.

You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.

Offer
do it now!
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Fortect Happiness
Guarantee
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Intego Happiness
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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of HelperService adware. Follow these steps

Delete from macOS

Delete all malicious entries from Mac:

Remove items from Applications folder:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
  3. Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash) Uninstall from Mac 1

To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
  3. In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
  4. Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files. Uninstall from Mac 2

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove. Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Options.
  3. Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data…
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear. Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information. Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox. Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Clean Google Chrome as follows:

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove. Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data. Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.

Reset Google Chrome:

If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings. Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

If your Safari is exhibiting hijacking symptoms, follow these steps:

Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. In the new window, pick Extensions.
  3. Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall. Remove extensions from Safari

Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Clear History…
  2. From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
  3. Confirm with Clear History. Clear cookies and website data from Safari

Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. Go to Advanced tab.
  3. Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  4. From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches. Reset Safari

After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of HelperService registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.

How to prevent from getting adware

Do not let government spy on you

The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet. 

You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.

Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.

Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack

Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.

When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.

About the author
Gabriel E. Hall
Gabriel E. Hall - Passionate web researcher

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