How to eliminate the PortalServer adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is PortalServer?
PortalServer is a rogue app that our research team found during a routine investigation of new file submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis revealed that this application is advertising-supported software (adware). PortalServer is part of the AdLoad malware family.
PortalServer adware overview
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software enables the placement of ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, surveys, etc.) on various interfaces – such as visited websites, desktops, or others.
It must be mentioned that adware might not run intrusive ad campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, particular sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if PortalServer does not display adverts – it endangers device and user safety.
Adware-displayed advertisements primarily promote online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and even malware. Some of these ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Note that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are highly unlikely to be endorsed by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the continent's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
While AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking qualities, PortalServer did not exhibit these abilities during our analysis.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to PortalServer. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like PortalServer on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by PortalServer |
| 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
ModernCore, ManagerMaster, ManagerObsession, and MainInitiator are just some examples of adware we have examined recently.
Software within this classification usually appears legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of various handy functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.
Keep in mind that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did PortalServer install on my computer?
The bundling marketing tactic – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to distribute adware.
Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.
Furthermore, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on deceptive/scam sites. Most visitors access these webpages via redirects generated by misspelled URLs, websites that employ rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Installation must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears ordinary and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications on browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PortalServer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once PortalServer adware's installation is over:
PortalServer 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 PortalServer?
- STEP 1. Remove PortalServer related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PortalServer ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PortalServer adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PortalServer ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PortalServer adware using Combo Cleaner:
PortalServer adware removal:
Remove PortalServer-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 ads promote deceptive/harmful content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays adverts on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and gather vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PortalServer adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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