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How to remove PositiveConnectivity adware from your operating system

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

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

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.

Threat Summary:
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.
▼ 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 examined numerous adware samples; ModernCoreProgressivePhasePortalServer, 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:

Pop-up displayed once PositiveConnectivity installation is complete

PositiveConnectivity adware's installation folder:

PositiveConnectivity 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 PositiveConnectivity adware using Combo Cleaner:

PositiveConnectivity adware removal:

Remove PositiveConnectivity-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 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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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.

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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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