Remove LeadShared Adware

LeadShared is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) classified as adware. It infiltrates macOS devices under the guise of legitimate software, often bundled with freeware or deceptive pop-ups. Once installed, it bombards users with intrusive advertisements, causes browser redirections, collects personal data, and may expose the system to further cyber threats. Security experts have flagged LeadShared as malicious, and its removal is strongly recommended.

LeadShared Adware Threat Summary

Category	Details
Threat Name	Ads by LeadShared
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, PUP
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, intrusive pop-up ads, browser redirects, privacy invasion
Damage	Privacy risks, personal data collection, exposure to scams, potential malware infiltration
Distribution Methods	Bundled software installers, deceptive pop-ups, torrent file downloads
Danger Level	High

What is LeadShared Adware?

LeadShared is designed to generate revenue for its developers by injecting excessive advertisements into the user’s browsing experience. These include banners, pop-ups, coupons, and in-text ads that lead to potentially dangerous websites. Many of these ads redirect users to fraudulent services, phishing pages, or sites that distribute malware.

The adware often gains access to a system through deceptive distribution methods, such as bundling with free software or torrent downloads. Users might unknowingly install it when downloading software from unreliable sources. Once inside the system, LeadShared operates persistently in the background, slowing down system performance and compromising user privacy.

How Does LeadShared Affect Your Device?

Intrusive Advertisements

LeadShared aggressively displays unwanted ads that can disrupt your browsing experience. These ads often promote suspicious websites that host scams or malware.

Browser Redirects

The adware can modify browser settings and force users to visit unsafe or misleading web pages. These pages may push users into subscribing to dubious services or downloading malicious programs.

Privacy Risks

LeadShared may collect various user data, including:

• Browsing history
• Search queries
• IP addresses
• Device information
• User interactions with ads

This data could be shared with third parties for marketing or even malicious purposes, leading to further security risks.

System Slowdown

Since LeadShared constantly runs background processes and injects advertisements, it consumes system resources. This can result in sluggish performance and frequent system crashes.

Manual Adware Removal (Windows & Mac)

Step 1: Identify Suspicious Applications

For Windows Users

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Check the “Processes” tab for unfamiliar or suspicious programs consuming excessive CPU or memory.
3. If you find any, note their names and close them.
4. Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
5. Locate the suspicious application, right-click it, and select “Uninstall.”

For Mac Users

1. Open Finder and navigate to Applications.
2. Look for any suspicious or unknown applications.
3. Drag them to the Trash, then right-click on the Trash and select Empty Trash.
4. Open System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items and remove any unrecognized startup programs.

Step 2: Remove Adware-Related Browser Extensions

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and go to Menu (three dots in the top-right corner) > Extensions.
2. Locate suspicious extensions and click “Remove.”
3. Reset Chrome: Go to Settings > Reset settings > “Restore settings to their original defaults.”

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox and go to Menu (three lines in the top-right corner) > Add-ons and themes.
2. Locate and remove suspicious extensions.
3. Reset Firefox: Go to Help > More troubleshooting information > “Refresh Firefox.”

Safari (Mac)

1. Open Safari and go to Preferences > Extensions.
2. Locate and remove any unknown extensions.
3. Reset Safari: Go to History > “Clear History.”

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge and go to Menu (three dots in the top-right corner) > Extensions.
2. Remove suspicious extensions.
3. Reset Edge: Go to Settings > Reset settings > “Restore settings to their default values.”

Step 3: Delete Adware-Related Files and Folders

For Windows Users

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

For Mac Users

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

Step 4: Flush DNS Cache (Recommended)

For Windows Users

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

For Mac Users

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

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

Restart your device to complete the manual removal process.

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Automatic Adware Removal Using SpyHunter (Windows & Mac)

For a hassle-free and effective removal, use SpyHunter, a robust anti-malware tool designed to detect and remove adware efficiently.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official website: Click here to download SpyHunter.

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

Follow the installation instructions based on your operating system:

For Windows Users:

1. Open the downloaded .exe file.
2. Follow the on-screen installation instructions.
3. Launch SpyHunter and allow it to update its malware definitions.

For Mac Users:

1. Open the downloaded .dmg file.
2. Drag and drop SpyHunter into the Applications folder.
3. Launch SpyHunter and allow it to update its malware definitions.

Step 3: Perform a System Scan

1. Open SpyHunter.
2. Click on Start Scan.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.
4. Review the detected threats and click Fix Threats to remove adware.

Step 4: Restart Your Device

After SpyHunter removes the threats, restart your computer to finalize the process.

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For the most secure and effective removal, we recommend downloading and using SpyHunter: Download SpyHunter Here.

Stay safe and keep your system clean!

Conclusion

LeadShared adware poses a serious threat to macOS users by injecting disruptive ads, compromising privacy, and slowing down system performance. Its deceptive distribution methods make it easy to install unknowingly, leaving users exposed to cyber threats. Since LeadShared is classified as adware and has been flagged by multiple security vendors, its presence on a device should not be taken lightly. Users should remain cautious when downloading software from unverified sources and avoid interacting with suspicious advertisements.