How to remove GlobalConnection (Mac)

What is GlobalConnection

GlobalConnection is a type of adware primarily affecting macOS systems, which falls under the AdLoad malware family. This adware is designed to flood users with intrusive advertisements, including pop-ups, banners, and redirects to dubious websites. While it may not always function as intended due to system or browser incompatibilities, its presence poses a significant risk to device integrity and user privacy. GlobalConnection can track sensitive information such as browsing history, search queries, and even personal details like credit card numbers. This gathered data is often sold to third parties, potentially leading to severe privacy issues and financial loss. Additionally, the advertisements delivered by GlobalConnection can promote unreliable software, scams, and even malware. Therefore, swift removal of GlobalConnection is essential to maintaining both system security and user privacy.

How GlobalConnection infects Mac computers

GlobalConnection, a notorious adware part of the AdLoad malware family, primarily infects Macs through a deceptive method known as bundling. This involves packaging the adware with legitimate software downloads from freeware sites, P2P networks, and other unreliable sources. Users often inadvertently install GlobalConnection by rushing through the installation process, neglecting to read terms and conditions, and opting for “Easy/Express” settings instead of “Custom/Advanced” ones. Additionally, intrusive advertisements and redirects from rogue websites can trigger automatic downloads and installations of this adware. Once installed, GlobalConnection compromises system integrity and user privacy by displaying intrusive ads and potentially tracking sensitive information. To prevent such infections, it’s crucial to download software only from trusted sources and to carefully review all installation steps.

1. Download GlobalConnection Removal Tool
2. Remove GlobalConnection from Login Items
3. Remove/Uninstall GlobalConnection from Applications
4. Remove GlobalConnection from browsers
5. Reset browser settings
6. Remove GlobalConnection files and folders
7. Block GlobalConnection ads and pop-ups
8. How to protect from threats, like GlobalConnection

Remove GlobalConnection manually for free

Note: GlobalConnection sets up to start on macOS startup. Therefore, before starting the removal, perform these steps:

1. Open System Preferences, choose Users & Groups.
2. Choose your account (set up as Current User).
3. Click Login Items tab.
4. Find “GlobalConnection” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: GlobalConnection won’t quit just by closing it, therefor use Force Quit to end the process.

1. Press 3 buttons at the same time: Option, Command, and Esc (Escape). This is similar to Control-Alt-Delete on a Windows PC.
2. Choose GlobalConnection in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

Here is a manual step-by-step tutorial for full GlobalConnection removal from your computer. This works 99% and was checked with the latest versions of GlobalConnection installer on operating systems with the latest updates and browser versions.

Remove GlobalConnection from Applications

Remove GlobalConnection from Mac:

1. In the Finder sidebar, click Applications.
2. GlobalConnection might have an Uninstaller. If you see Uninstall GlobalConnection or GlobalConnection Uninstaller, double-click it and follow the onscreen instructions.
3. Otherwise, drag GlobalConnection from the Applications folder to the Trash (located at the end of the Dock).
4. Then choose Finder > Empty Trash.

Cannot uninstall GlobalConnection

If you can’t uninstall GlobalConnection using instructions above, or it keeps coming back, you can use free AppCleaner for Mac to remove all residual data and libraries of GlobalConnection. Follow instructions below:

1. Download free AppCleaner.
2. Drag GlobalConnection from Applications folder to AppCleaner window.
3. Choose files and folders you want to remove along with GlobalConnection.
4. Click Delete button.

Remove GlobalConnection add-on from your browsers

Removing GlobalConnection from Applications often does not bring the desired effect. It is a browser extension, and it may still be active in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Here are instructions on how to remove the GlobalConnection extension from your browsers manually.

Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Click Extensions tab.
3. Find GlobalConnection extension.
4. Click Uninstall button to remove it.

Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://extensions.
3. Find GlobalConnection extension.
4. Click the trash can icon to remove it.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:addons.
3. Choose GlobalConnection extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish GlobalConnection removal, reset your browser settings to make sure, there are no leftover items in browser folders.

Reset Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Go to the Privacy section of Safari’s preferences.
3. Click Remove All Website Data button.
4. In the opened window, click Remove Now button to remove data stored by websites in Safari.
5. Go to the Advanced section of Safari’s preferences.
6. Click the Show Develop menu in menu bar option.
7. In the menu, click Develop and select Empty Caches from this menu.
8. Again, go to Safari menu and choose Clear History….
9. Choose to clear all history and click Clear History button.

Reset Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://settings.
3. Scroll down and find Show advanced settings link.
4. Click on it and scroll down to the bottom again.
5. Click Reset settings button and click Reset to confirm.

Reset Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:support.
3. Click Refresh Firefox… button.
4. Click Refresh Firefox to confirm.

Remove following files and folders of GlobalConnection


~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.GlobalConnection.service.app
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.GlobalConnection.service.plist
/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.GlobalConnection.system
/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.GlobalConnection.system.plist


Download AdGuard for Mac to block malicious pop-ups, that promote GlobalConnection

AdGuard is the best ad-blocker, internet filtering, and internet security application for macOS. It can cut out unwanted banners from site pages, block pop-ups, stop redirects, and prevent users from visiting potentially dangerous resources. Use it to stop ads promoting GlobalConnection in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like GlobalConnection

Mac OSX is known to be one of the safest operating systems, and for a long time, there was no need for antivirus products for Mac. But with the growing popularity of Mac computers and notebooks and evolving technology, viruses, trojans, adware, toolbars, hijackers, and other malware paved the way for Mac users. We recommend you to use one of the best anti-malware for Mac available — Malwarebytes for Mac.

Download Malwarebytes for Mac