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Removal instructions for ProjectExpress adware and the adverts it displays

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

What is ProjectExpress?

ProjectExpress is a piece of rogue software that our researchers discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. Our inspection of this application revealed that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware) and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

ProjectExpress adware

ProjectExpress adware overview

Adware may require certain conditions to be met in order to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., display adverts). For example, this software might not deliver ads if the browser/system or user geolocation are incompatible, visits to particular websites are not made, or similar. However, the presence of ProjectExpress (or other adware) on a system endangers device/user safety regardless of whether it displays advertisements.

Adware-delivered adverts promote unreliable/harmful websites and software, online scams, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive ads are capable of stealthily downloading/installing software - upon being clicked.

It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is usually undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, ProjectExpress may have browser hijacker functionalities since they are standard for AdLoad adware. However, this app did not exhibit such behavior during our analysis.

What is more, ProjectExpress likely has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software typically gathers browsing-related information, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, financial/banking data, etc. The collected information is monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of software like ProjectExpress on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ProjectExpress
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.h), 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 analyzed thousands of adware samples; AnalyticDealLoginCheck, and GenerateExplorer are a few of the latest. This software appears legitimate and offers "handy" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

How did ProjectExpress install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using various deceptive methods. It can be bundled (packed) into the installation setups of ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Fake Adobe Flash Player installers/updaters are also used to spread adware. Intrusive advertisements are employed in distribution as well. Once clicked on, some of these ads can download/install software (adware included) without user consent.

Advertising-supported software can be promoted through "official" download webpages and scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Furthermore, installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.

We also recommend exercising caution when browsing - since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive ads appear legitimate and innocuous, yet they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

If you experience such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ProjectExpress, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once ProjectExpress installation is complete

ProjectExpress adware's installation folder:

ProjectExpress adware install 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 ProjectExpress adware using Combo Cleaner:

ProjectExpress adware removal:

Remove ProjectExpress-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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware may decrease browsing quality and system performance. It typically has data tracking functionalities, which make it a threat to user privacy. Additionally, adware-displayed advertisements are often deceptive/malicious and can cause serious issues (e.g., malware infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. This software may also be capable of force-opening webpages and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ProjectExpress adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type applications detected. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) may not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware itself has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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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.

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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 ProjectExpress QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by ProjectExpress on your mobile device.
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