How to get rid of PointAnalytics adware and the ads it displays

What is PointAnalytics?

PointAnalytics is a rogue app that was reported by a user on a support forum. After analyzing this piece of software, our researchers determined that it operates as adware. Additionally, we learned that PointAnalytics belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

PointAnalytics adware overview

Once installed onto our test machine, PointAnalytics began displaying various advertisements. However, it is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may need compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, or other specifics to match - in order to run intrusive ad campaigns. Yet regardless of whether PointAnalytics (or other adware) delivers adverts, its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.

Adware-displayed ads promote unreliable/harmful sites and software, scams, and malware. Some intrusive advertisements can even be triggered (by being clicked) to infiltrate software into systems.

PointAnalytics may have browser hijacker traits since they are typical for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during testing.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data tracking functionalities, and this may also apply to PointAnalytics. Targeted data can include: browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, and other vulnerable information. Adware developers monetize the gathered data through sale to third-parties.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by PointAnalytics
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
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

TechPartition, CoinCycling, and ReviewVenture are merely a couple examples of the adware we have analyzed. Advertising-supported software typically appears harmless and offers "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, the promised functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.

How did PointAnalytics install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, etc.) - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well. Additionally, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to stealthily download/install advertising-supported software - once clicked.

Adware can also have "official" download sites. Most users enter such pages via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, websites using rogue advertising networks, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software products and only downloading from official/verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.

We advise exercising caution when browsing - since fraudulent and malicious content usually looks innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements appear legitimate - however, they redirect to dubious websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove PointAnalytics adware using Combo Cleaner:

PointAnalytics adware removal:

Remove PointAnalytics-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 endangers device integrity and user safety. It can decrease the browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, it is considered to be a privacy threat - since this software typically has data tracking abilities. Furthermore, adware-delivered advertisements can push untrustworthy/malicious content that can cause serious problems.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, its primary function is to display adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Some types can also force-open websites and gather private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit mainly through affiliate programs by promoting websites, applications, products, etc. Commission might be earned from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove PointAnalytics adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since file leftovers might stay in the system even after the software itself is (manually) removed. What is more, such remnants may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, adware must be removed thoroughly.

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