How to remove ProcesserGrid adware and the advertisements it delivers

What is ProcesserGrid?

ProcesserGrid is a rogue app that our researchers discovered while checking out new submissions to VirusTotal. After inspecting this piece of software, we learned that it operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

ProcesserGrid adware overview

Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions like compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, or similar - to run intrusive ad campaigns. However, regardless of whether ProcesserGrid delivers adverts or not, its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

Adware-displayed advertisements endorse various scams, unreliable/harmful websites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can stealthily download/install software - when clicked on.

It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Additionally, ProcesserGrid might have browser hijacker traits since they are common for AdLoad adware - however, we did not observe any during testing.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data tracking functionalities, and this likely applies to ProcesserGrid. Targeted data includes: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial/banking information, and so forth. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like ProcesserGrid on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ProcesserGrid
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), 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), 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

We have analyzed countless adware samples; CommonCreative, DirectNetwork, and NavigateNetwork are merely a few of our latest finds. This software seldom appears suspect - it tends to look legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of "useful" functionalities, which are typically nonoperational.

How did ProcesserGrid install on my computer?

"Bundling" - pre-packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements - is used to proliferate adware. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution. Intrusive ads spread advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations.

Adware is also endorsed via dubious download pages and scam websites. These webpages are usually accessed through redirects caused by mistyped URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software products and downloading them from official and verified channels. Installation must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, and using the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out of all additions.

We advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content tends to appear harmless. For example, intrusive ads look ordinary and innocuous, yet they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

If you experience adverts/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ProcesserGrid, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove ProcesserGrid adware using Combo Cleaner:

ProcesserGrid adware removal:

Remove ProcesserGrid-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software displays ads that promote dangerous content, which can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware usually has data tracking abilities, which makes it a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary function is displaying advertisements on visited sites and/or other interfaces. However, this adware may also be capable of causing redirects and collecting vulnerable data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate most of their profit through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ProcesserGrid adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the software itself has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components can continue running and causing issues. Hence, adware removal necessitates thoroughness.

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