How to eliminate the WorldWideProjector adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is WorldWideProjector?
While reviewing new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered the WorldWideProjector application. After analyzing this app, we learned that it operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family. WorldWideProjector displays ads and may have additional undesirable functionalities.
WorldWideProjector adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of advertisements on various interfaces (e.g., visited websites, desktops, etc.). The displayed ads promote online scams, unreliable/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install content – upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs in order to acquire commissions fraudulently.
Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to deliver intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Even if the WorldWideProjector app does not display adverts – it still endangers device integrity and user safety.
Additionally, the software might have browser hijacker qualities since they are typical for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during testing.
WorldWideProjector likely has data-tracking abilities. Information of interest can include: browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like WorldWideProjector on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by WorldWideProjector |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Arcabit (Adware.MAC.Generic.D6BC1), Emsisoft (Adware.MAC.Generic.27585 (B)), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Fortinet (Adware/Synataeb!OSX), 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
PrimaryServiceSearch, DominantDisplay, ProvidedSearch, DigitalSection, and MomentTech are just some examples of adware-type applications we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of the various features. However, these functionalities seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.
How did WorldWideProjector install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in this software's distribution as well. Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Additionally, advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Most users access such webpages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, sites that use rogue advertising networks, 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 it from official/verified channels. It is just as important to approach installation with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of additional apps, extensions, etc.
We also advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless – yet they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with WorldWideProjector, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once WorldWideProjector adware's installation is over:
WorldWideProjector 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 WorldWideProjector?
- STEP 1. Remove WorldWideProjector related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove WorldWideProjector ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove WorldWideProjector adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove WorldWideProjector ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove WorldWideProjector adware using Combo Cleaner:
WorldWideProjector adware removal:
Remove WorldWideProjector-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. It is also classified as a privacy threat, as this software typically has data-tracking functionalities. Furthermore, adware displays adverts promoting dangerous content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware can display advertisements on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can cause redirects and collect vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made from affiliate programs. The developers can earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove WorldWideProjector adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning systems and removing detected adware-type applications. It must be stressed that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – various files can remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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