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MacPro Install Adware (Mac)

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

What is MacPro Install?

According to the developers, the MacPro Install application supposedly makes the installation and download process easier. This may seem a useful tool, but it is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA) and an adware-type app since most users install it unintentionally. MacPro Install tracks users' browsing habits/activity and delivers intrusive advertisements.

MacPro Install adware

Once installed, MacPro Install app starts feeding users with various coupons, banners, pop-ups, and other intrusive ads. PUAs display ads via tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site and conceal underlying content. Furthermore, when clicked, the ads redirect to untrustworthy websites that might contain malicious content.

Some are designed to download/install other unwanted apps or even malware. Clicking them can lead to high-risk computer infections. As mentioned above, most PUAs also record browsing-related data such as IP addresses, keystrokes, search queries, URLs of visited websites, and so on.

Some of the data might also contain personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue. Thus, having these apps installed can result in privacy/browsing safety issues or even more serious problems such as identity theft.

During the MacPro Install installation process, a browser hijacker might also install. Most browser hijackers change browser settings (homepage, default search settings, etc.). In this case, the hijacker also changes 404 error traffic. We strongly advise that you uninstall the MacPro Install app and all other unwanted apps such as browser hijackers.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by MacPro Install
Threat Type Mac malware, Mac virus
Symptoms Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady 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.

There are many adware-type apps similar to MacPro Install. Some examples are MyCouponsmart, MyShopcoupon, and CompariShop.

These apps might offer different feature, but most PUAs generate revenue for their developers by feeding users with ads and gathering data. They deliver no real value for users and cause problems relating to browsing quality, safety, and privacy.

How did MacPro Install install on my computer?

Some potentially unwanted (adware-type) apps have official download websites, however, most users install them through intrusive advertisements or when software developers use "bundling", a deceptive method used to trick people into installing unwanted apps together with regular (often ad-supportive) software.

To achieve thus, software developers hide these apps in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings/options of the download/installation processes, and they do not disclose information about these inclusion of these apps.

Nevertheless, potentially unwanted apps are often installed when users leave installation/download setup options unchanged or simply skip installation/download steps. Clicking intrusive advertisements is also likely to result in infiltration of PUAs.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Download software using official and trustworthy websites and direct links. Avoid using third party tools such as software installers, downloaders, etc. Check "Custom", "Advanced" and other options/settings when installing or downloading software. If there are any additional (potentially unwanted) applications offered, deselect them and only then finish the installation.

Many intrusive ads redirect users to deceptive, untrustworthy, or even malicious websites. If you encounter ads that redirect you to gambling, pornography, adult dating, or other similar web pages, check installed programs on your computer and extensions, add-ons, and plugins on your browser.

Remove all the unwanted/unknown entries immediately. If your computer is already infected with MacPro Install, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Delusive application installer promoting MacPro Install adware:

installer promoting MacPro Install adware

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 adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

MacPro Install adware removal:

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

mac browser hijacker removal from 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

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.

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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.

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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.