Removing HelperProtocol adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is HelperProtocol?
While inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, we discovered the HelperProtocol rogue application. After analyzing this piece of software, we learned that it operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
HelperProtocol adware overview
Advertising-supported software is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., display adverts). The delivered ads endorse deceptive and malicious content (e.g., phishing/scams, fake anti-viruses, adware, trojans, etc.). Additionally, some intrusive advertisements can make stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that any legitimate products encountered via these ads are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It has to be mentioned that adware might not deliver adverts if the browser/system is incompatible, visits to specific sites are not made, or other conditions are unmet. However, whether HelperProtocol displays advertisements is irrelevant - its presence endangers device and user safety regardless.
HelperProtocol might have browser hijacker functionalities, as they are often part of AdLoad adware. However, this app did not exhibit any during testing.
Furthermore, HelperProtocol likely has data tracking abilities. Data of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial/banking information, etc. The collected data can then be monetized through sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like HelperProtocol on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by HelperProtocol |
| 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. |
Adware examples
StandartSync, ManagerTemplate, PrimeAurora, PropCreative - are merely some examples of the advertising-supported software that we have analyzed recently.
Adware usually looks legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation (or purchase) with promises of "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, these functions rarely work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did HelperProtocol install on my computer?
"Bundling" - packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions - is used to proliferate adware. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, intrusive advertisements are used to spread advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts designed to make downloads/installations without user permission. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well.
Adware is also pushed via questionable pages and scam sites. Most users enter these websites through redirects caused by webpages using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading from official and verified channels exclusively. Furthermore, when installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts look ordinary and harmless, yet they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
If you experience advertisements and/or redirects of this type, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with HelperProtocol, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once HelperProtocol adware's installation is over:
HelperProtocol 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 HelperProtocol?
- STEP 1. Remove HelperProtocol related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove HelperProtocol ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove HelperProtocol adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove HelperProtocol ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove HelperProtocol adware using Combo Cleaner:
HelperProtocol adware removal:
Remove HelperProtocol-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 browsing quality and system performance. This software is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it usually gathers private data. Furthermore, adware-delivered ads endorse deceptive/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of various adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types are also capable of force-opening sites and collecting vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove HelperProtocol adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all installed adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) may be ineffective. Since despite it being (manually) removed - various adware leftovers (files) might remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining content can continue running and causing problems. Hence, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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