Removing the ConnectionProjector adware-type app from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ConnectionProjector?
ConnectionProjector is a rogue application that we discovered while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. Our examination of this piece of software revealed that ConnectionProjector is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
ConnectionProjector adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. These advertisements are displayed on various interfaces.
This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, overlays, etc.) primarily endorses online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products and services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may need specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether ConnectionProjector displays adverts – the presence of this app remains a threat.
In many cases, AdLoad adware has browser-hijacking functionalities, but ConnectionProjector did not exhibit any during our analysis.
Furthermore, ConnectionProjector likely has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like ConnectionProjector on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ConnectionProjector |
| 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.h), 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
CommonBusiness, AdvancedUpdater, and VideoProgramRanking are merely a couple examples of adware-type apps we have investigated recently. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers useful features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
Keep in mind that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ConnectionProjector install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled into the device is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Some of the ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that 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 generated by sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software before downloading or installing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless – however, they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, scam-promoting, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with ads/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 ConnectionProjector, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ConnectionProjector adware's installation is over:
ConnectionProjector 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 ConnectionProjector?
- STEP 1. Remove ConnectionProjector related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ConnectionProjector ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ConnectionProjector adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ConnectionProjector ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ConnectionProjector adware using Combo Cleaner:
ConnectionProjector adware removal:
Remove ConnectionProjector-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 adverts that endorse deceptive/dangerous content capable of causing serious issues, such as system infections, financial losses, etc. Additionally, its presence on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software is also deemed to be a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces, and some types can also generate redirects and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ConnectionProjector adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security software) might not be an ideal solution. Since various file leftovers can stay hidden within the system following (manual) removal. What is more, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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