FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

How to remove the ProgressTrend application

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

What is ProgressTrend?

In most cases, users download and install apps like ProgressTrend unintentionally.

Therefore, this and other apps of this type (adware/browser hijackers) are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). ProgressTrend is designed to change certain browser settings, promote the Safe Finder website (by opening it through akamaihd.net), and display various advertisements. It can also read personal, sensitive information.

ProgressTrend adware

Some examples of ads displayed by ProgressTrend (and similar apps) are coupons, banners, pop-ups, and surveys. When users click the ads, they arrive at dubious websites or inadvertently allow the ads to execute certain scripts, which then cause download/installation of PUAs.

Furthermore, ProgressTrend has browser hijacker characteristics - it promotes the address of a fake search engine by assigning it as the address of the homepage, default search engine, and new tab. In this way, it forces users to visit a specific address when they open a browser, new tab, or enter search queries into the URL bar.

Note that most apps of this type prevent users from modifying the aforementioned settings (changing the promoted address to their preferred URL). Users can stop the hijacked browser from opening these bogus addresses only by uninstalling the potentially unwanted app (in this case, ProgressTrend).

Furthermore, ProgressTrend can read sensitive information such as credit card details, passwords, telephone numbers and other data of this kind. These information can be misused to make fraudulent purchases and transactions, and to steal identities and accounts. It might also be sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

Additionally, ProgressTrend might be capable of gathering browsing data (e.g., addresses of visited pages, entered search queries, IP addresses, geolocations). Having ProgressTrend installed on the browsers and/or computers can thus lead to problems such as identity theft, monetary loss, issues relating to browsing safety, online privacy, and other problems.

Therefore, do not trust ProgressTrend. If this app is already installed, remove it immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ProgressTrend
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), AVG (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.i), Full List (VirusTotal).
Additional Information This application belongs to the 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), fake Flash Player installers, 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.

ProgressTrend is virtually identical to many other apps of this type including, for example, IdeaReference, GeneralCache, and MapperObject.

Generally, apps that are classified as adware often serve various advertisements, however, some (including ProgressTrend) also gather information and hijack browsers. In any case, these apps should never be installed, since most are useless and can cause serious issues.

How did ProgressTrend install on my computer?

Commonly, PUAs are distributed using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". I.e., by including them into the download and/or installation set-ups of other programs. These apps are included as 'additional offers', and in most cases are listed in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings.

Many users fail to check and change these settings when they download and install their programs. When they leave the default settings unchanged, they agree with offers to download and install PUAs. Sometimes unintentional downloads and installations are caused by clicking deceptive ads that execute certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Do not download any programs or files from unofficial websites, through third party downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule, etc. Also avoid third party installers.

You are advised to download software and files only from official pages and through direct links. Check "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings and decline offers to download or install additionally-included, unwanted apps.

Do not click intrusive advertisements that appear on dubious web pages, since these can open potentially malicious web pages or even cause unwanted downloads/installations. Remove any suspicious extensions, plug-ins and add-ons installed on the browser, and programs of this type installed on the computer.

If your computer is already infected with ProgressTrend, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once ProgressTrend installation is complete:

pop-up displayed once ProgressTrend installation is done

ProgressTrend redirecting users to the Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net:

ProgressTrend redirecting users to Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net

ProgressTrend adware installed on Safari

progresstrend adware safari extension

ProgressTrend installation folder:

progresstrend adware contents 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 ProgressTrend adware using Combo Cleaner:

ProgressTrend adware removal:

Remove ProgressTrend-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.

▼ Show Discussion

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.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Removal Instructions in other languages
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 ProgressTrend QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by ProgressTrend on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Mac malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner for Mac

Platform: macOS

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.