Removal instructions for the ProgressivePhase adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ProgressivePhase?
Our researchers found the ProgressivePhase app during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this piece of software, we learned that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. ProgressivePhase is designed to feed users with unwanted and deceptive advertisements.
ProgressivePhase adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It runs intrusive advertisement campaigns by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, etc.) on visited webpages and/or other interfaces.
The delivered ads endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive adverts can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that any genuine products/services encountered via these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might require certain conditions to deliver intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether ProgressivePhase displays adverts – its presence on a system remains a threat.
AdLoad adware often has browser-hijacking functionalities, but we did not observe these abilities while investigating ProgressivePhase.
This rogue application likely collects sensitive user information. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, advertising-supported software like ProgressivePhase can cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ProgressivePhase |
| 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.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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 analyzed thousands of adware samples; ModernCore, ManagerMaster, and MegaUpgrade are just a couple of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software typically appears ordinary and harmless. It also offers a broad range of "useful" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions are usually fake and nonoperational. It must be stressed that even if the promised features are functional – they are not definitive proof of a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did ProgressivePhase install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.). The risk is also compounded by rushing through installation processes, e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps/sections, using the "Easy/Express" settings, etc.
Additionally, adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive adverts as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ProgressivePhase, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ProgressivePhase adware's installation is over:
ProgressivePhase 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 ProgressivePhase?
- STEP 1. Remove ProgressivePhase related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ProgressivePhase ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ProgressivePhase adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ProgressivePhase ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ProgressivePhase adware using Combo Cleaner:
ProgressivePhase adware removal:
Remove ProgressivePhase-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays adverts that promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, advertising-supported software is classified as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening webpages, and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit mainly through affiliate programs by promoting various sites, products, applications, browser extensions, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ProgressivePhase adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type apps present. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) stay hidden within the system. The remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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