Removal instructions for the ProgramProcessor adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ProgramProcessor?
Our research team found the ProgramProcessor app during a routine check on new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. After inspecting this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). ProgramProcessor is part of the AdLoad malware family.
ProgramProcessor adware overview
Adware generates revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and deceptive advertisements. This software can display ads (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces.
It is noteworthy that specific conditions may be necessary for adware to deliver intrusive advert campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. Regardless of whether ProgramProcessor displays advertisements – its presence endangers device and user safety.
Adware-delivered ads predominantly promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can even be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any legitimate products or services encountered through these ads – are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their developers. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking abilities, although ProgramProcessor did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.
Furthermore, this rogue application likely has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, advertising-supported software like ProgramProcessor may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ProgramProcessor |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchpro), 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 examined numerous adware samples; PrimeVersion, ProductionInteractive, PracticeCycle, and TransformFusion are just some of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers various functionalities. These features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.
It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ProgramProcessor install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is endorsed on deceptive/scam sites. Users primarily enter these pages via redirects caused by websites that employ rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Another recommendation is to treat installation processes with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advance" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive adverts may look ordinary and innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
If you keep encountering such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ProgramProcessor, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ProgramProcessor adware's installation is over:
ProgramProcessor 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 ProgramProcessor?
- STEP 1. Remove ProgramProcessor related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ProgramProcessor ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ProgramProcessor adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ProgramProcessor ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ProgramProcessor adware using Combo Cleaner:
ProgramProcessor adware removal:
Remove ProgramProcessor-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-displayed advertisements promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The presence of this software on a device may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types are also capable of generating redirects and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ProgramProcessor adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all adware-type apps present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, file leftovers stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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