Remove LeadShared Adware

Adware continues to be a significant cybersecurity threat, and LeadShared is a prime example of a deceptive program that infiltrates Mac devices to generate intrusive advertisements. Security researchers have classified LeadShared as adware due to its ability to bombard users with pop-ups, banners, and other unwanted ads, often redirecting them to unsafe websites.

Additionally, multiple security vendors have flagged LeadShared as a potential threat due to its malicious behavior. If present on your system, it can lead to privacy issues, monetary loss, and malware infections. Below, we explore the full extent of the risks posed by LeadShared adware.

LeadShared Adware: Threat Summary

The table below outlines the key details about the LeadShared adware, including its detection names, symptoms, and potential damage it can cause:

Feature	Details
Threat Name	LeadShared
Threat Type	Adware, Mac Malware, Mac Virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:PuAgent-H [PUP]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.49), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.A), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy.g)
Symptoms of Infection	Slow system performance, Unwanted pop-up ads, Frequent website redirects, Increased data usage, Altered browser settings
Potential Damage	Privacy invasion, Loss of sensitive data, Exposure to phishing scams, Malware infiltration, Slower system performance
Distribution Methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, Bundled software installers, Torrent file downloads, Fake software updates
Danger Level	High – LeadShared compromises user privacy, delivers intrusive ads, and redirects to dangerous websites.

What Is LeadShared Adware?

LeadShared is part of the notorious Adload malware family, a group of adware threats that target Mac users. Once installed, it aggressively displays intrusive ads, redirects users to dubious websites, and collects personal data without consent. The adware typically arrives via software bundling, where it is hidden inside free software installers, deceptive pop-ups, or torrent file downloads.

The primary objective of LeadShared is to generate revenue for its operators by injecting ads into webpages and directing traffic to shady third-party websites. Unfortunately, this exposes users to a variety of risks, including phishing scams, malicious software downloads, and privacy breaches.

How LeadShared Affects Your Mac

LeadShared is more than just an annoying adware—it actively undermines system security and can lead to serious consequences. Here’s how it affects your Mac:

1. Intrusive Advertisements – LeadShared injects pop-ups, banners, and coupons that disrupt the user experience. Clicking on these ads may lead to fraudulent or malicious websites.
2. Data Collection & Privacy Risks – The adware can track browsing history, search queries, IP addresses, and system details. This information may be sold to third parties or used for targeted scams.
3. Redirection to Malicious Sites – LeadShared is designed to redirect users to shady sites that promote fake software, phishing scams, and malware-laden downloads.
4. Performance Issues – The adware runs continuously in the background, consuming system resources and slowing down your Mac.

Manual Adware Removal Process (Windows & Mac)

Step 1: Identify and Uninstall Suspicious Applications

For Windows Users

1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Navigate to the “Processes” tab and search for unknown or high-resource-consuming processes.
3. If you detect anything suspicious, right-click and select “End Task.”
4. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
5. Locate and uninstall any unfamiliar programs.

For Mac Users

1. Open Finder and click on Applications.
2. Identify and move any suspicious applications to the Trash.
3. Empty the Trash.
4. Check System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items for unknown startup programs and remove them.

Step 2: Remove Malicious Browser Extensions

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome, click Menu (three dots) > Extensions.
2. Locate and remove unknown extensions.
3. Reset Chrome: Settings > Reset settings > “Restore settings to their original defaults.”

Mozilla Firefox

1. Click Menu > Add-ons and themes.
2. Remove suspicious extensions.
3. Reset Firefox: Help > More troubleshooting information > “Refresh Firefox.”

Safari (Mac)

1. Open Safari, go to Preferences > Extensions.
2. Delete unknown extensions.
3. Reset Safari: History > “Clear History.”

Microsoft Edge

1. Click Menu > Extensions.
2. Remove any unfamiliar extensions.
3. Reset Edge: Settings > Reset settings > “Restore settings to their default values.”

Step 3: Delete Adware-Associated Files and Folders

For Windows Users

1. Press Win + R, type %AppData%, and press Enter.
2. Locate and delete suspicious folders.
3. Repeat for %LocalAppData%, %ProgramData%, and %Temp%.

For Mac Users

1. Open Finder and press Shift + Command + G, then enter ~/Library/Application Support/.
2. Remove any suspicious folders.
3. Repeat for ~/Library/LaunchAgents/, ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/, and ~/Library/Preferences/.

Step 4: Flush DNS Cache to Remove Adware Traces

For Windows Users

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

For Mac Users

1. Open Terminal.
2. Enter sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter.

Step 5: Restart Your System

Perform a reboot to apply the changes and ensure the removal process is complete.

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Automatic Adware Removal Using SpyHunter (Windows & Mac)

For an effortless and effective solution, use SpyHunter, a powerful anti-malware tool designed to detect and remove adware completely.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Click the link to download SpyHunter: Download SpyHunter Here.

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

Follow the installation guide based on your operating system:

For Windows Users

1. Run the downloaded .exe file.
2. Follow the installation instructions.
3. Launch SpyHunter and allow it to update its malware database.

For Mac Users

1. Open the downloaded .dmg file.
2. Drag and drop SpyHunter into Applications.
3. Open SpyHunter and let it update its database.

Step 3: Scan and Remove Adware

1. Open SpyHunter.
2. Click Start Scan.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.
4. Click Fix Threats to remove detected malware.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

After SpyHunter removes all threats, restart your system to ensure all adware components are fully removed.

Conclusion

LeadShared is a serious adware threat that poses risks to both privacy and system performance. It is essential for users to recognize its symptoms and avoid interacting with unknown pop-ups, suspicious software bundles, and deceptive advertisements. Since LeadShared operates by exploiting browser vulnerabilities and user trust, users should always stay vigilant when downloading software.

If you suspect your Mac is infected with LeadShared, take immediate action to remove it and secure your system against further threats.