How to remove NetworkSource (Mac)

What is NetworkSource

NetworkSource is a rogue application categorized as adware, primarily targeting macOS users. Discovered by security researchers during routine inspections, it is part of the notorious AdLoad malware family. This software generates revenue by displaying intrusive advertisements across various platforms, including web browsers and desktop interfaces. Users often encounter unwanted pop-up ads, redirects to dubious websites, and overall degraded system performance due to NetworkSource’s presence. Additionally, it may engage in data tracking, collecting sensitive information such as browsing history and personal details, raising significant privacy concerns. To mitigate risks associated with this adware, users are advised to remove it promptly and utilize reputable antivirus solutions for ongoing protection.

How NetworkSource infects Mac computers

NetworkSource typically infects Mac systems through deceptive marketing techniques, primarily via bundled software installations. Users often inadvertently install this adware when they download free applications from unreliable sources or peer-to-peer networks, where the malicious software is packaged alongside legitimate programs. The installation process can be further complicated by users hastily navigating through setup wizards, often opting for “Quick” or “Recommended” settings that bypass crucial options to decline unwanted additions. Additionally, intrusive advertisements and rogue websites can redirect users to malicious download pages, facilitating the unintentional installation of NetworkSource. Once installed, this adware begins to display intrusive ads, track user behavior, and potentially lead to more severe privacy issues. Maintaining vigilance when downloading software and carefully reviewing installation prompts can help mitigate the risk of such infections.

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

Remove NetworkSource manually for free

Note: NetworkSource 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 “NetworkSource” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: NetworkSource 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 NetworkSource in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

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

Remove NetworkSource from Applications

Remove NetworkSource from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall NetworkSource

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

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

Remove NetworkSource add-on from your browsers

Removing NetworkSource 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 NetworkSource 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 NetworkSource 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 NetworkSource 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 NetworkSource extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish NetworkSource 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 NetworkSource


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


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

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 NetworkSource in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like NetworkSource

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