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Removal instructions for the ProgramProcessor adware-type application

Also Known As: Ads by ProgramProcessor
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is ProgramProcessor?

Our research team found the ProgramProcessor app during a routine check on new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. After inspecting this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). ProgramProcessor is part of the AdLoad malware family.

ProgramProcessor adware

ProgramProcessor adware overview

Adware generates revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and deceptive advertisements. This software can display ads (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces.

It is noteworthy that specific conditions may be necessary for adware to deliver intrusive advert campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. Regardless of whether ProgramProcessor displays advertisements – its presence endangers device and user safety.

Adware-delivered ads predominantly promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can even be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that any legitimate products or services encountered through these ads – are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their developers. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking abilities, although ProgramProcessor did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.

Furthermore, this rogue application likely has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

In summary, advertising-supported software like ProgramProcessor may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ProgramProcessor
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchpro), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information This application belongs to Adload malware family.
Symptoms Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), torrent file downloads.
Damage Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Adware examples

We have examined numerous adware samples; PrimeVersionProductionInteractivePracticeCycle, and TransformFusion are just some of our newest finds.

Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers various functionalities. These features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.

It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.

How did ProgramProcessor install on my computer?

Adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is endorsed on deceptive/scam sites. Users primarily enter these pages via redirects caused by websites that employ rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Another recommendation is to treat installation processes with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advance" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.

We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive adverts may look ordinary and innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).

If you keep encountering such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ProgramProcessor, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once ProgramProcessor adware's installation is over:

Pop-up displayed once ProgramProcessor installation is complete

ProgramProcessor adware's installation folder:

ProgramProcessor adware install folder

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Video showing how to remove ProgramProcessor adware using Combo Cleaner:

ProgramProcessor adware removal:

Remove ProgramProcessor-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash.

After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware-displayed advertisements promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The presence of this software on a device may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types are also capable of generating redirects and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ProgramProcessor adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all adware-type apps present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, file leftovers stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by ProgramProcessor QR code
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