How to remove the ProtocolPort application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is ProtocolPort?
Never install the ProtocolPort app on operating systems or browsers, since it generates advertisements, changes browser settings (to force users to visit certain sites), and collects data relating to internet browsing activities. In summary, this app functions as adware and a browser hijacker.
Developers distribute ProtocolPort using a fake Adobe Flash Player installer to trick people into installing the rogue app. Apps that users download and install inadvertently are classified as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
Adware is unwanted software that is monetized by generating advertisements. Commonly, these ads are deceptive and, once clicked, open bogus websites or cause unwanted downloads and installations (some ads can download and install unwanted software by running certain scripts). Therefore, it is not safe to click ads generated by ProtocolPort.
Furthermore, ProtocolPort also functions as a browser hijacker: it modifies browser settings and changes the default search engine, homepage, and new tab to the address of a fake search engine. In this way, ProtocolPort forces users to visit a fake search engine that shows results generated by other legitimate or dubious search engine, or shows results that can include misleading information and untrusted advertisements.
To stop ProtocolPort from generating ads and opening unwanted addresses, it must be uninstalled.
It is very likely that ProtocolPort also collects browsing-related information such as geolocations, entered search queries, addresses of visited pages, IP addresses, and so on. It might also record sensitive details (for example, credit card details, telephone numbers, and passwords). This information can be misused for malicious purposes, for example, to make unauthorized transactions and purchases, and to steal identities and accounts. Certain details could be misused for marketing purposes, sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals), or monetized in other ways.
Therefore, apps such as ProtocolPort can never be trusted.
| Name | Ads by ProtocolPort |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AB [Adw]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Generic.19928), ESET-NOD32 (OSX/Agent.BJ), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Agent.l), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| 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. |
More examples of apps similar to ProtocolPort are ApolloResults, OriginalModule, and AnalyzerDivision. These apps are falsely advertised: they are promoted as legitimate, useful applications when in fact their main purpose is to generate revenue for the developers.
Furthermore, apps such as ProtocolPort are useless to regular users and can cause serious issues. Remove them from browsers and computers immediately.
How did ProtocolPort install on my computer?
ProtocolPort is disguised as the installer for Adobe Flash Player. These fake installers can be used to distribute ransomware, Trojans, and other malware.
PUAs are often downloaded/installed together with other products. This deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".
By rushing through download/installation of software (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Quick/Express" settings, etc.) many users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content into their devices. Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well. When clicked, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without users' permission.
Some PUAs have "official" download web pages from which they can be downloaded.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
You are advised to download files and programs from official websites and via direct download links. Other tools and sources such as third party downloaders and installers, unofficial pages, and Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., eMule, torrent clients) should not be used to download or install software.
Check all "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings (or available checkboxes) for offers to download and/or install unwanted apps. Do not click ads on dubious websites, since they can be designed to open bogus web pages or cause unwanted downloads and installations.
Remove any unwanted, suspicious extensions, plug-ins and add-ons installed on the browser, and software of this kind from the operating system.
If your computer is already infected with ProtocolPort, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Fake installer used to distribute ProtocolPort (first installation step):
Fake installer used to distribute ProtocolPort (second installation step):
Files related to the ProtocolPort adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.ProtocolPort.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.ProtocolPort.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.ProtocolPort.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.ProtocolPort.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases, malicious applications like ProtocolPort alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of dubious websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you must restore them manually.
Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.
Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.
Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".
Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also assign the settings of each protocol to the default: "*.local, 169.254/16".
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 ProtocolPort?
- STEP 1. Remove ProtocolPort related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ProtocolPort ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ProtocolPort adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ProtocolPort ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ProtocolPort adware using Combo Cleaner:
ProtocolPort adware removal:
Remove ProtocolPort-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.
Outstanding!
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