Removing ActiveProgram adware and the advertisements it displays

What is ActiveProgram?

ActiveProgram is another app from the AdLoad malware family, which our research team found when looking through new submissions on VirusTotal.

After a sample was launched on our test system, we determined that this application operates as adware. While it did not show any browser hijacker behavior, our experience with AdLoad software suggests that it might have such functionalities.

ActiveProgram adware overview

Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. We found that ActiveProgram's behavior matches this description.

However, it has to be mentioned that for adware to run intrusive advert campaigns (display ads) - certain requirements may need to be met. For example, if the device specs are incompatible, users do not visit the sites the software would ordinarily inject ads into, etc. - adware may stay dormant, but its presence is harmful regardless.

Adware-delivered advertisements promote various scams, questionable and dangerous webpages, untrustworthy and even malicious software. Some intrusive ads can perform stealthy downloads/installations - upon being clicked. Any genuine products encountered through such adverts are not promoted thusly by their developers; usually it is done by scammers using affiliate programs to fraudulently obtain commissions.

ActiveProgram likely has browser-hijacking and data-tracking functionalities, as they are typical for apps belonging to the AdLoad family. Adware mainly targets browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable information, log-in credentials, credit card numbers, and similar. The gathered data can be monetized through abuse or sale to third-parties.

In summary, software like ActiveProgram can cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ActiveProgram
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), 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), 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.

Adware examples

We have researched thousands of adware samples; TypeValue, ProjectSource, SchedulerSkyLoad, KeyWright - are just a couple of them. This software rarely appears suspicious; instead, it offers "advantageous" features. However, the functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

How did ActiveProgram install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using a wide variety of dubious techniques. It can have "official" download pages, which can be promoted through sites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, or deceptive adverts.

Adware can infiltrate the system through intrusive advertisements, as some can download/install it (without user consent) - when clicked on.

Software bundling (packing ordinary programs with supplements) is also used in adware distribution. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, etc.) - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

How to avoid installation of adware?

Exercising caution is crucial to computer safety. Therefore, our researchers advise downloading from official and verified sources. When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.

We also recommend being careful when browsing. Intrusive advertisements appear legitimate and harmless; however, they redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).

In case of encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, the system must be inspected and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately removed. If your computer is already infected with ActiveProgram, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once ActiveProgram adware's installation is over:

ActiveProgram 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 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 ActiveProgram?
• STEP 1. Remove ActiveProgram related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove ActiveProgram ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove ActiveProgram adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove ActiveProgram ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove ActiveProgram adware using Combo Cleaner:

ActiveProgram adware removal:

Remove ActiveProgram-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 negatively affect the browsing experience and system performance. If it can track/collect data, then it is also a privacy threat. Furthermore, the advertisements displayed by this software can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious problems.

What does adware do?

Advertising-supported software or adware - is designed to display ads on visited sites and/or different interfaces.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, and so on. Commission may be earned from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, products purchases, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ActiveProgram adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal is not always effective. In some cases, even after the software is (manually) uninstalled - leftover files remain within the system. What is more, such components can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove adware immediately and thoroughly.

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