Removal instructions for ProgramOpen adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is ProgramOpen?
ProgramOpen is a rogue application that our research team discovered while investigating new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this piece of software, we learned that ProgramOpen is adware. Additionally, this app is part of the AdLoad malware family.
ProgramOpen adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of various advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
The adverts promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful webpages and apps, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. It is pertinent to mention that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers abusing its affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It has to be mentioned that advertising-supported software might need certain conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether ProgramOpen displays adverts, its presence endangers device/user safety.
Furthermore, this application might have browser hijacker functionalities since they are standard for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during testing.
What is more, ProgramOpen likely has data tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like ProgramOpen on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ProgramOpen |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.AdloadTR.1067), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy.f), 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
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type apps; OnlineProgram, SilkTopic, and CommandAccess are merely a couple of examples. Advertising-supported software typically looks harmless and offers "useful" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did ProgramOpen install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary software/media. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters are used in adware distribution. Intrusive advertisements proliferate this software as well. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed by scam websites. Users typically access such webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Additionally, installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
We advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually looks innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements appear legitimate yet redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
Should 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 ProgramOpen, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ProgramOpen adware's installation is over:
ProgramOpen 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 ProgramOpen?
- STEP 1. Remove ProgramOpen related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ProgramOpen ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ProgramOpen adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ProgramOpen ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ProgramOpen adware using Combo Cleaner:
ProgramOpen adware removal:
Remove ProgramOpen-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It usually has data tracking abilities - hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat. Additionally, adware-displayed adverts promote deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. In other words, advertising-supported software displays adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Furthermore, some types can also force-open sites and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, tools, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ProgramOpen adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (without the aid of security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - various leftovers (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants can continue running and causing issues. Hence, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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