Removal instructions for MasterProject adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is MasterProject?
MasterProject is a rogue app discovered by our researchers during a routine investigation of file submissions to VirusTotal. After checking out this piece of software, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. MasterProject runs intrusive advert campaigns and may have other harmful capabilities.
MasterProject adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. As the classification implies, apps/extensions of this type generate revenue for their developers through advertising. Typically, adware operates by placing third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, banners, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
It is noteworthy that specific conditions may be required for adware to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Yet even if MasterProject does not deliver ads – it remains a threat to device and user safety.
Adware-displayed adverts predominantly promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that while genuine content may be encountered via these advertisements – it is unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the product's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking abilities – however, MasterProject adware did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.
Additionally, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to MasterProject. Targeted information can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like MasterProject on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by MasterProject |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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), 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 investigated countless adware-type apps; DockBuffer, ExecutiveSync, and TotalToolboxSearch are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software tends to look ordinary and harmless. It can also offer various features that are usually fake and nonfunctional. However, note that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did MasterProject install on my computer?
Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam websites. Users mainly enter webpages of this kind via redirects caused by sites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked. These advertisements are also utilized in adware distribution.
Advertising-supported software can be bundled with ordinary programs as well. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.
We also advise being careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MasterProject, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once MasterProject adware's installation is over:
MasterProject 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 MasterProject?
- STEP 1. Remove MasterProject related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MasterProject ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MasterProject adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MasterProject ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove MasterProject adware using Combo Cleaner:
MasterProject adware removal:
Remove MasterProject-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-delivered adverts may promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Advertising-supported software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Furthermore, adware usually has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive ad campaigns. It operates by displaying advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some adware types can also force-open sites and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content endorsement. Its developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MasterProject adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type apps present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. This leftover content can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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