How to uninstall the ProcessBrand adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
How to remove ProcessBrand from Mac?
What is ProcessBrand?
Adware is software that generates unwanted advertisements. However, ProcessBrand functions not only as adware but also as a browser hijacker: it changes browser's settings to promote a fake search engine (its address). It is likely that ProcessBrand gathers browsing data or other information as well. It is uncommon for such apps to be downloaded and installed by users knowingly. Therefore, they are called potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
ProcessBrand displays unwanted advertisements that, if clicked, could open untrustworthy websites (e.g., various scam pages, download pages for potentially malicious software) or cause unwanted downloads or even installations by executing certain scripts. Usually, apps like ProcessBrand generate pop-up ads, banners, surveys, coupons, or other ads. Furthermore, this app changes the browser's settings such as the address of a homepage, new tab, and default search engine: it forces users to visit a certain address (use a fake search engine) when they open a browser, new tab or enter search queries into the URL bar. Fake search engines can generate misleading results (promote questionable or even malicious pages). As a rule, the address of a fake search engine can be removed from the browser's settings only after uninstallation of a browser hijacker, in this case, ProcessBrand.
Furthermore, it is common for adware to use the browser to collect web browsing history, IP addresses, geolocations, and other browsing data. However, software of this type can be designed to gather personal, sensitive information as well (e.g., passwords, credit card details). Worse, collected information can be sold to third parties or misused to generate revenue in other ways. It is essential to mention that users' data may fall into the hands of cybercriminals. These are the main reasons why apps like ProcessBrand cannot be trusted/should never be downloaded and installed.
| Name | Ads by ProcessBrand |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| 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), 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. |
In conclusion, adware is not the type of software that users should have installed on their browsers or operating systems. It is worthwhile to mention that apps of this type often are advertised as useful, legitimate. Either way, most of them are designed only to generate revenue for their developers by generating ads, promoting various websites, and collecting data. More adware examples are ExpandedTask, CacheImprovment, MicroClick.
How did ProcessBrand install on my computer?
Very often, adware comes bundled together with some other software, it is included in download or installation setups as an extra offer. Users download or install adware when they download and or install other software without declining unwanted offers. Typically, unwanted apps are mentioned in "Advanced", "Custom", "Manual" or other settings, or near some checkboxes. Also, adware and other unwanted software can be distributed through deceptive ads by designing those ads to run certain scripts. However, those ads cannot cause unwanted downloads, installations if they are not clicked.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
"Custom", "Advanced" and other settings (or checkboxes) should be checked before finishing downloads, installations. Software (especially freeware) should be downloaded from official pages and via direct links. Sources, tools like Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), unofficial websites, third party downloaders are not reliable. The same applies to third party installers. Advertisements that appear on shady websites should not be clicked as well. Those ads can be designed to promote other dubious pages or distribute (download or install) potentially malicious software. Unwanted, suspicious applications (e.g., extensions, add-ons or plug-ins) that are already installed on a browser or computer should be removed. If your computer is already infected with ProcessBrand, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up that appears after installation of the ProcessBrand adware:
ProcessBrand's Contents folder:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer 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 three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- What is ProcessBrand?
- STEP 1. Remove ProcessBrand related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ProcessBrand ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ProcessBrand adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ProcessBrand ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
ProcessBrand adware removal:
Remove ProcessBrand-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 ads by processbrand 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 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 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 in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure 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 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 it's virus definition database and click "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.
Ads by ProcessBrand removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by processbrand related Safari extensions:
Open 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 normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove ads by processbrand related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the "Open Menu" (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose "Add-ons".
Choose the "Extensions" tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Remove" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove ads by processbrand related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose "More Tools" and select "Extensions".
In the "Extensions" window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Trash" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Outstanding!
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