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How to eliminate the WorldWideProjector adware from your operating system

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

What is WorldWideProjector?

While reviewing new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered the WorldWideProjector application. After analyzing this app, we learned that it operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family. WorldWideProjector displays ads and may have additional undesirable functionalities.

WorldWideProjector adware

WorldWideProjector adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of advertisements on various interfaces (e.g., visited websites, desktops, etc.). The displayed ads promote online scams, unreliable/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install content – upon being clicked.

It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs in order to acquire commissions fraudulently.

Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to deliver intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Even if the WorldWideProjector app does not display adverts – it still endangers device integrity and user safety.

Additionally, the software might have browser hijacker qualities since they are typical for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during testing.

WorldWideProjector likely has data-tracking abilities. Information of interest can include: browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, the presence of software like WorldWideProjector on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by WorldWideProjector
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Arcabit (Adware.MAC.Generic.D6BC1), Emsisoft (Adware.MAC.Generic.27585 (B)), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Fortinet (Adware/Synataeb!OSX), 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

PrimaryServiceSearchDominantDisplayProvidedSearch, DigitalSection, and MomentTech are just some examples of adware-type applications we have analyzed recently.

Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of the various features. However, these functionalities seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.

How did WorldWideProjector install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.

Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in this software's distribution as well. Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Additionally, advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Most users access such webpages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, sites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified channels. It is just as important to approach installation with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of additional apps, extensions, etc.

We also advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless – yet they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with WorldWideProjector, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once WorldWideProjector installation is complete

WorldWideProjector adware's installation folder:

WorldWideProjector 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 WorldWideProjector adware using Combo Cleaner:

WorldWideProjector adware removal:

Remove WorldWideProjector-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is also classified as a privacy threat, as this software typically has data-tracking functionalities. Furthermore, adware displays adverts promoting dangerous content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware can display advertisements on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can cause redirects and collect vulnerable information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit is made from affiliate programs. The developers can earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove WorldWideProjector adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning systems and removing detected adware-type applications. It must be stressed that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – various files can remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software 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.

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