Removal instructions for ActiveProtocol adware and the adverts it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ActiveProtocol?
Our research team found the ActiveProtocol app while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After examining this application, we determined that ActiveProtocol is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
ActiveProtocol adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by delivering intrusive ad campaigns, i.e., it can display adverts on visited webpages and/or other interfaces.
These advertisements promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and potential malware. Some intrusive ads can even perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that genuine products/services encountered through these adverts are most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Adware might need certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc. However, even if ActiveProtocol does not display ads – its presence endangers device/user safety regardless.
Additionally, AdLoad applications commonly have browser hijacker traits, but ActiveProtocol did not exhibit any such qualities during our analysis.
This rogue app likely has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like ActiveProtocol on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ActiveProtocol |
| 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.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
WebEnumerator, AnalyzerMachine, and AdvancedConnection are merely a few examples of adware-type applications we have investigated recently.
Advertising-supported software usually appears harmless and offers useful functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ActiveProtocol install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Users typically access such pages via redirects caused by websites that employ rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening capabilities).
"Bundling" – packing ordinary programs with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to proliferate advertising-supported software.
The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps/sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ActiveProtocol, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ActiveProtocol adware's installation is over:
ActiveProtocol 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 ActiveProtocol?
- STEP 1. Remove ActiveProtocol related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ActiveProtocol ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ActiveProtocol adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ActiveProtocol ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ActiveProtocol adware using Combo Cleaner:
ActiveProtocol adware removal:
Remove ActiveProtocol-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 may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays ads promoting content that can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, advertising-supported software is classified as a privacy threat – since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display adverts on various interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open sites and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ActiveProtocol adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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