How to remove ProcessorCactus adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ProcessorCactus?
ProcessorCactus is an untrustworthy application that is promoted using shady websites. After downloading and installing it, we learned that it operates as adware - it generates intrusive advertisements. It is not recommended not to have apps of this type installed on the operating system. Especially when they are downloaded from unreliable sources.
ProcessorCactus adware in detail
Advertisements displayed by Apps like ProcessorCactus can open various scams, pages promoting shady apps, etc. Usually, such apps display coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, or other ads. It is important to mention that clicking them can download or install unwanted software (by running certain scripts).
Another detail about advertising-supported apps is that they have additional functionality. They can hijack web browsers by changing their settings, such as the homepage, new tab page, and default search engine. In such cases, they change them to some fake search engine that generates misleading results or shows results generated by shady (or legitimate) search engines.
| Name | Ads by ProcessorCactus |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.26050), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Symantec (OSX.Trojan.Gen.2), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| 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. |
More about adware
The purpose of adware is to bombard users with annoying ads. After examining numerous apps like ProcessorCactus, we found that they can be used to promote fake search engines and (or) collect data. Thus, having them installed can cause problems related to browsing safety, online privacy.
More adware examples are AlgorithmFormula, DaemonLogoffCompile, EmergingZip.
How did ProcessorCactus install on my computer?
Usually, adware gets installed on the operating system (or a browser) through deceptive advertisements, fake installers, or installers for other software bundled with adware. Advertisements download or install adware when designed to run certain scripts.
Downloaders and installers used to distribute adware have "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings (or ticked checkboxes). Adware gets installed after installing software (bundled with adware) without changing those settings.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Do not click on advertisements and notifications displayed by questionable, suspicious websites. Use official websites and direct links as sources for downloading applications and files. Do not trust apps (or files) downloaded from unofficial pages, third-party downloaders, P2P networks, etc.
Also, deselect unwanted applications (change "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings in downloaders and installers) before downloading and installing programs. If your computer is already infected with ProcessorCactus, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that appears after the installation of ProcessorCactus adware:
ProcessorCactus's 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:
- What is ProcessorCactus?
- STEP 1. Remove ProcessorCactus related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ProcessorCactus ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ProcessorCactus adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ProcessorCactus ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ProcessorCactus adware using Combo Cleaner:
ProcessorCactus adware removal:
Remove ProcessorCactus-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 web browsing experience, affect the computer's performance, invade privacy, and (or) alter a web browser's settings.
What does adware do?
As a rule, adware is designed to display advertisements, but it can also be used to gather data and promote fake search engines.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
They use adware to promote various websites, products, services, etc. The most commonly used way to monetize adware is through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ProcessorCactus adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan the operating system and eliminate all adware. Manual removal does not always work since various file leftovers may remain in the system even when the adware is no longer installed.
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