Removal instructions for IndexerPortal adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is IndexerPortal?
IndexerPortal is a piece of rogue software that our research team discovered while investigating new submissions to VirusTotal. After inspecting this app, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. IndexerPortal is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns, and it may have other harmful abilities.
IndexerPortal adware overview
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., it displays ads on various interfaces. These adverts endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful apps, and malware. Some intrusive advertisements can even perform stealthy downloads/installations when clicked. Note that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely promoted by scammers abusing its affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, or other suitable conditions to run intrusive advert campaigns. However, regardless of whether IndexerPortal displays ads - its presence endangers device and user safety.
Furthermore, we have observed browser-hijacking functionalities in AdLoad adware, although the IndexerPortal app did not exhibit any during testing.
What is more, this adware likely has data tracking capabilities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like IndexerPortal on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by IndexerPortal |
| 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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; ViewOrigin, AllocateType, ManagerUpdater, and WiredBlank are just some examples.
Advertising-supported software does not appear suspicious, it tends to look legitimate and harmless. Apps of this kind typically offer various "useful" functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonfunctional.
How did IndexerPortal install on my computer?
Bundling - packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements - is used to distribute adware. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installations (e.g., skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in adware distribution. Intrusive advertisements proliferate this software as well. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Advertising-supported software is also endorsed on suspect download pages and scam websites. These pages are seldom accessed intentionally; most enter them via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software products and downloading only from official/verified sources. Furthermore, when installing, it is essential to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additional apps, extensions, etc.
We also advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
If you experience such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with IndexerPortal, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once IndexerPortal adware's installation is over:
IndexerPortal 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 IndexerPortal?
- STEP 1. Remove IndexerPortal related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove IndexerPortal ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove IndexerPortal adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove IndexerPortal ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove windows defender adware using Combo Cleaner:
IndexerPortal adware removal:
Remove IndexerPortal-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It typically has data tracking functionalities, which make this software a privacy threat. Additionally, adware-delivered advertisements promote deceptive/malicious material that can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware operates by enabling the placement of ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and gather vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, products, services, etc. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove IndexerPortal adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed - various remnants (files) stay within the system. What is more, these components may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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