How to remove LeadingProtocol adware from the operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is LeadingProtocol?
LeadingProtocol is a piece of advertising-supported and browser-hijacking software. This app has been observed being proliferated via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. Due to the dubious methods used to distribute LeadingProtocol, it is also categorized as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application).
LeadingProtocol adware overview
Adware can display intrusive ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, full-page, etc.) on any visited website and/or different interfaces. The delivered adverts diminish the browsing experience and endanger device/user safety.
The advertisements endorse various sale-based, rogue, deceptive/scam, and even malicious sites. Furthermore, some intrusive ads can download/install software (e.g., PUAs) stealthily - when they are clicked on.
Browser hijackers reassign browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs - to fake web searcher addresses. Therefore, new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address.
Illegitimate search engines usually cannot generate search results, so they redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other genuine ones. This software also uses persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from recovering their browsers.
What is more, most PUAs have data tracking abilities. They collect browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, personally identifiable details, etc. This vulnerable data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by LeadingProtocol |
| 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. |
Adware in general
HandlerRotator, UltraEngine, ExtendedRotator, and ChannelParameter are a few examples of apps similar to LeadingProtocol. Both adware and browser hijackers appear legitimate and offer "useful" features, which seldom work as advised if they operate at all.
In fact, this is true of nearly all PUAs. The sole goal of unwanted applications is to generate revenue for the developers; hence, functionality and user safety are irrelevant.
How did LeadingProtocol install on my computer?
PUAs are spread using the "bundling" marketing technique - packing ordinary software with various additions. Rushed download/installation processes increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system. Intrusive adverts proliferate PUAs as well. Upon being clicked, the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission. PUAs may also have "official" download sites.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is highly recommended to research software and only download it from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) sharing networks, etc. - commonly offer bundled content.
When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from all additions. Intrusive advertisements appear legitimate, yet they redirect to various questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the system must be checked and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with LeadingProtocol, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed when LeadingProtocol adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"LeadingProtocold" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Delusive installer (fake Flash Player updater) promoting LeadingProtocol adware;
First installation step:
Second installation step:
Files related to the LeadingProtocol adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.LeadingProtocol/LeadingProtocol
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.LeadingProtocolDaemon/LeadingProtocol
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.LeadingProtocol.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.LeadingProtocolDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote the LeadingProtocol website are designed to create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:
1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar (Dock) and select "Profiles".
2) Locate all suspicious profiles and delete them.
3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.
After performing these actions, you can proceed with further removal steps for this browser hijacker.
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:
- What is LeadingProtocol?
- STEP 1. Remove LeadingProtocol related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LeadingProtocol ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LeadingProtocol adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LeadingProtocol ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LeadingProtocol adware using Combo Cleaner:
LeadingProtocol adware removal:
Remove LeadingProtocol-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 can diminish the browsing experience and decrease system performance. This software typically has data tracking abilities, which make it a threat to user privacy. What is more, adware-delivered ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause other serious issues.
What does adware do?
Advertising-supported software or adware - is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, it can display adverts on any visited website and/or different interfaces.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers primarily generate revenue through affiliate programs by promoting various sites, apps, services, etc. Commission might be earned from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LeadingProtocol adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating installed adware-type apps. However, manual removal might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware itself is (manually) deleted - file leftovers might remain within the system. Furthermore, such components can continue running and causing issues.
Outstanding!
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