Removal instructions for ComplexPortal adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ComplexPortal?
Our researchers discovered the ComplexPortal application while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After investigating this app, it operates as advertising-supported software (adware). ComplexPortal is part of the AdLoad malware family.
ComplexPortal adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by running intrusive ad campaigns. This software displays adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
These advertisements endorse various scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads can perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate content can be encountered through these advertisements – it is unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse a product's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might need specific conditions to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. However, regardless of whether ComplexPortal displays ads – its presence on a system remains a threat.
AdLoad adware commonly has browser hijacker abilities, but we did not observe any while investigating this app. Additionally, ComplexPortal likely has data-tracking functionalities.
Advertising-supported software typically targets visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive information can then be monetized through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, software like ComplexPortal may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ComplexPortal |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CA [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), 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), 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 applications; NetworkImagine, ChannelLegion, LibraryBlog, and OperationTool are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and useful. However, its functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or privacy.
How did ComplexPortal install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users primarily access such webpages via redirects caused by sites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive adverts. Some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to download only from official and verified channels. Furthermore, installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful when browsing since fake/malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ComplexPortal, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ComplexPortal adware's installation is over:
ComplexPortal 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
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Quick menu:
- What is ComplexPortal?
- STEP 1. Remove ComplexPortal related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ComplexPortal ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ComplexPortal adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ComplexPortal ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ComplexPortal adware using Combo Cleaner:
ComplexPortal adware removal:
Remove ComplexPortal-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 displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, financial losses, and other serious issues. The presence of advertising-supported software on devices may decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware usually collects private information – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. The software's primary functionalities can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting sensitive user data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by promoting websites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ComplexPortal adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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