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Removal instructions for ComplexPortal adware and the adverts it displays

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

What kind of application is ComplexPortal?

Our researchers discovered the ComplexPortal application while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After investigating this app, it operates as advertising-supported software (adware). ComplexPortal is part of the AdLoad malware family.

ComplexPortal adware

ComplexPortal adware overview

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by running intrusive ad campaigns. This software displays adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

These advertisements endorse various scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads can perform downloads/installations without user consent.

It is noteworthy that while legitimate content can be encountered through these advertisements – it is unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse a product's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might need specific conditions to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. However, regardless of whether ComplexPortal displays ads – its presence on a system remains a threat.

AdLoad adware commonly has browser hijacker abilities, but we did not observe any while investigating this app. Additionally, ComplexPortal likely has data-tracking functionalities.

Advertising-supported software typically targets visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive information can then be monetized through sale to third-parties.

To summarize, software like ComplexPortal may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ComplexPortal
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Adload-CA [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), 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), 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-type applications; NetworkImagineChannelLegionLibraryBlog, and OperationTool are merely some examples.

Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and useful. However, its functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or privacy.

How did ComplexPortal install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users primarily access such webpages via redirects caused by sites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Additionally, advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive adverts. Some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is important to download only from official and verified channels. Furthermore, installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful when browsing since fake/malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

Pop-up displayed once ComplexPortal installation is complete

ComplexPortal adware's installation folder:

ComplexPortal 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 ComplexPortal adware using Combo Cleaner:

ComplexPortal adware removal:

Remove ComplexPortal-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 displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, financial losses, and other serious issues. The presence of advertising-supported software on devices may decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware usually collects private information – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. The software's primary functionalities can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting sensitive user data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by promoting websites, software, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ComplexPortal adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. 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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