Removal instructions for the BrowserProgress adware-type app

What kind of application is BrowserProgress?

BrowserProgress is an adware-type application discovered by our researchers during a routine investigation of new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. This app is part of the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.

BrowserProgress adware overview

Adware typically operates by feeding users with unwanted and potentially dangerous advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, banners, coupons, pop-ups, etc.) is displayed on visited websites or different interfaces.

The adverts primarily promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some can perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. It is pertinent to mention that any genuine content encountered through these ads is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software may need certain conditions to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether BrowserProgress displays advertisements – its presence on a system remains a threat nonetheless.

While we have found many instances of AdLoad adware with browser hijacker abilities, the BrowserProgress application did not exhibit these qualities during testing.

This rogue app likely has data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for software within this classification. Adware usually collects browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, software like BrowserProgress may cause infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by BrowserProgress
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), 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 examined thousands of adware samples; Wharf.app, SkilledAccess, AssistiveTool, and TechLookupTool are just some of our newest finds. Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and innocuous.

Users may be lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of "handy" features. However, these functionalities are usually fake and nonoperational – their purpose is to serve as bait. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.

How did BrowserProgress install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps/sections, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – pose a threat of unintentionally permitting bundled content to infiltrate the device.

Furthermore, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Most users access these webpages via redirects caused by sites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations. These adverts are used to proliferate advertising-supported software as well.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with care by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to exercise caution while browsing, as fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – however, they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

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

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

BrowserProgress 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 BrowserProgress?
• STEP 1. Remove BrowserProgress related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove BrowserProgress ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove BrowserProgress adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove BrowserProgress ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove BrowserProgress adware using Combo Cleaner:

BrowserProgress adware removal:

Remove BrowserProgress-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 advertisements may endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware is also considered a threat to user privacy, as it usually collects sensitive data.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Adware enables the placement of ads on various interfaces, and some types are also capable of force-opening websites and gathering private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion. Its developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove BrowserProgress adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all adware-type applications installed. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. These components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is paramount.

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