How to remove PositiveConnectivity adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is PositiveConnectivity?
While inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our research team discovered the PositiveConnectivity adware-type app. It is part of the AdLoad malware family. This application is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and deceptive adverts. It may also have other harmful capabilities.
PositiveConnectivity adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, banners, surveys, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
This third-party graphical content primarily endorses online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that any legitimate content encountered through these ads – is unlikely to be promoted in this manner by its actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be necessary for software within this classification to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Even if PositiveConnectivity does not display adverts – its presence remains a threat to device/user safety.
In many instances, AdLoad applications exhibit browser-hijacking functionalities – however, we did not observe these abilities while investigating PositiveConnectivity.
Adware typically gathers private information, and this might be true of the PositiveConnectivity app. Data of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so forth. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, advertising-supported software like PositiveConnectivity may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by PositiveConnectivity |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), 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
We have examined numerous adware samples; ModernCore, ProgressivePhase, PortalServer, and PixelRotator are just some of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers "useful" functions. However, these functionalities are usually fake and nonoperational – their purpose is to serve as bait that tricks users into downloading/installing the software.
It must be stressed that even if an app or an extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did PositiveConnectivity install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling technique – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements also spread adware. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Additionally, advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users mainly access these pages via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
We also advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PositiveConnectivity, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once PositiveConnectivity adware's installation is over:
PositiveConnectivity 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 PositiveConnectivity?
- STEP 1. Remove PositiveConnectivity related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PositiveConnectivity ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PositiveConnectivity adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PositiveConnectivity ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PositiveConnectivity adware using Combo Cleaner:
PositiveConnectivity adware removal:
Remove PositiveConnectivity-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 delivers advertisements that promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. Furthermore, adware typically has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can also generate redirects and collect sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by promoting a wide variety of content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PositiveConnectivity adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be ideal. Since even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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