Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings.
Thus, you'll have to restore them manually. The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like UniversalHandler alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?ĭo not complete downloads and installations until unwanted apps (optional downloads and installations) are deselected.
Either way, users rarely download and install adware on purpose.
Users install adware alongside other software when they leave those settings unchanged. When adware is bundled with other apps, installers have "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings. Also, adware can be installed via untrustworthy ads designed to run certain scripts and software bundles. UniversalHandler is distributed via a fake Adobe Flash Player installer that can be downloaded from various deceptive websites. How did UniversalHandler install on my computer? More adware examples are MinimalEnergy, TeachPad, and OperationReview. Thus, it is strongly recommended not to install adware and remove already installed software of this type as soon as possible. Sometimes, adware can access sensitive information. Nevertheless, it always displays intrusive advertisements that may open untrustworthy pages. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of read more.Īdware is often promoted as useful, legitimate software.
To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.ĭeceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. This application belongs to Adload malware family.
Threat Summary: NameĪvast (MacOS:Adload-AM ), Combo Cleaner (Gen.15), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:), Full List ( VirusTotal)
Search engines of this kind promote untrustworthy websites and (or) show results by shady (or legitimate) search engines. In such cases, they not only show unwanted ads but also force users to browse the Internet using fake search engines. Also, clicking them can cause unexpected downloads or even installations.Īfter examining numerous apps similar to UniversalHandler, we learned that sometimes they can hijack web browsers by changing their settings. For example, pages requesting sensitive information, encouraging to download dubious apps, urging to call fake technical support numbers, asking permission to show notifications, etc. We discovered UniversalHandler after using a fake installer.Ĭlicking on advertisements generated by UniversalHandler opens shady websites. It is uncommon for adware to be downloaded and installed willfully. Apps of this type are classified as adware (advertising-supported applications).
What kind of application is UniversalHandler?Īfter examining UniversalHandler, we learned that it is an untrustworthy application designed to generate intrusive advertisements.