How to remove the PositiveProcessor adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is PositiveProcessor?
PositiveProcessor is a rogue app that we found while reviewing new file submissions to VirusTotal. After investigating this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. PositiveProcessor operates by running intrusive ad campaigns, and it may have other harmful abilities.
PositiveProcessor adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to feed users with unwanted and potentially malicious adverts. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, banners, etc.) is displayed on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
Note that this software may require certain conditions to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc. However, even if PositiveProcessor does not display ads – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Adware-delivered adverts endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive advertisements can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that while genuine products or services may be encountered via 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.
While AdLoad applications can have browser-hijacking capabilities, we did not observe these functionalities while testing PositiveProcessor.
What is more, this adware-type application likely collects private information. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, advertising-supported software like PositiveProcessor can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by PositiveProcessor |
| 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.Searchpr), 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
ProgramProcessor, PrimeVersion, ProductionInteractive, and PracticeCycle are merely some examples of adware we have analyzed recently. Software within this category usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into downloading/installing this software by promises of various "handy" features, which are rarely operational.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did PositiveProcessor install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" download pages, and it is promoted on scam websites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites that employ rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with care. Therefore, we advise reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look ordinary/innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering ads and/or 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 PositiveProcessor, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once PositiveProcessor adware's installation is over:
PositiveProcessor 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 PositiveProcessor?
- STEP 1. Remove PositiveProcessor related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PositiveProcessor ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PositiveProcessor adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PositiveProcessor ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PositiveProcessor adware using Combo Cleaner:
PositiveProcessor adware removal:
Remove PositiveProcessor-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-delivered adverts primarily promote dangerous content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, it is classed as a privacy threat since it typically has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It can display ads on various interfaces. Furthermore, some adware types can also generate redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily by promoting content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PositiveProcessor adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) can remain hidden within the system. The remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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