Removal instructions for the SharedProjector adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is SharedProjector?
SharedProjector is a rogue application discovered by our researchers during a routine check on new submissions to VirusTotal. Following our analysis, we determined that this app is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family.
SharedProjector adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and deceptive advertisements. This third-party graphical content is displayed on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. The ads can promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any legitimate products or services encountered via these adverts are highly unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if SharedProjector does not display ads – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
While AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities – we did not observe them while investigating the SharedProjector adware.
This rogue application might have data-tracking abilities. Adware usually collects the following information: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. This vulnerable data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, software like SharedProjector may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SharedProjector |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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. |
Adware examples
GallantBounce, FormatConnection, EngineOfflineAlgorithm, and OptimizationSquare are but a few examples of adware we have analyzed recently.
Software within this classification tends to appear legitimate and ordinary. Adware may also offer a broad range of functionalities to lure users into downloading/installing it. However, the features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SharedProjector install on my computer?
The bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is often used in adware distribution.
Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the threat of inadvertently permitting access for bundled content into the system.
Furthermore, some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations upon being clicked. These adverts are also used to spread advertising-supported software stealthily.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on deceptive sites. Most visitors to these pages enter them via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is crucial to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.
Since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous – we advise being vigilant while browsing. Intrusive ads are an example of this, as despite their harmless appearance – these advertisements redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SharedProjector, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SharedProjector adware's installation is over:
SharedProjector adware's installation 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
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Quick menu:
- What is SharedProjector?
- STEP 1. Remove SharedProjector related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SharedProjector ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SharedProjector adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SharedProjector ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
SharedProjector adware removal:
Remove SharedProjector-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
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
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/
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.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
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.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:
In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/
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.
Scan 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.
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.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
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.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the 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".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(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".
- 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-delivered adverts promote harmful content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It usually gathers private information – hence, adware is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and collect sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by endorsing various sites, apps, extensions, tools, products, services, etc. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SharedProjector adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. Note that manual removal might be ineffective, as after this removal – various file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, adware must be eliminated thoroughly.
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