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How to eliminate the PortalServer adware-type app from your Mac

Also Known As: Ads by PortalServer
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

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

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.

Threat Summary:
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.
▼ 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

ModernCoreManagerMasterManagerObsession, 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:

Pop-up displayed once PortalServer installation is complete

PortalServer adware's installation folder:

PortalServer adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove PortalServer adware using Combo Cleaner:

PortalServer adware removal:

Remove PortalServer-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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