How to eliminate PositivePlatform adware from the operating system

What kind of application is PositivePlatform?

During a routine investigation of new submissions to the VirusTotal website, our researchers discovered the PositivePlatform app. Our examination revealed that it is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family. PositivePlatform is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns.

PositivePlatform adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, surveys, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.

Note that this software may require specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if PositivePlatform does not deliver adverts – the app's presence threatens device integrity and user safety.

Adware-displayed advertisements predominantly endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads can even execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Keep in mind that any genuine products/services encountered through these adverts – are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to obtain legitimate commissions.

While AdLoad adware often has browser hijacker traits, we did not observe these functionalities while testing the PositivePlatform application.

What is more, advertising-supported software usually gathers private information, and this might apply to PositivePlatform. Data of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, software like PositivePlatform may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by PositivePlatform
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.25), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adlo), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Agent.u), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware examples

We have investigated numerous adware samples; LaunchBrowser, PositiveProcessor, and ProgramProcessor are merely a few of our latest finds.

While advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers various functionalities, it seldom operates as promised. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.

How did PositivePlatform install on my computer?

Adware can have "official" promotional webpages. It is even more often promoted on scam sites. Users primarily enter these pages via redirects generated by websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Additionally, adware is proliferated by intrusive adverts. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirects to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirect of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PositivePlatform, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once PositivePlatform adware's installation is over:

PositivePlatform 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 PositivePlatform?
• STEP 1. Remove PositivePlatform related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove PositivePlatform ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove PositivePlatform adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove PositivePlatform ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove PositivePlatform adware using Combo Cleaner:

PositivePlatform adware removal:

Remove PositivePlatform-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 promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The presence of the software on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Advertising-supported software is also classed as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove PositivePlatform adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all adware-type applications installed. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.

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