How to eliminate the ProjectorDigital adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ProjectorDigital?
While checking out new submissions to the VirusTotal website, our research team discovered the ProjectorDigital application. After examining it, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). ProjectorDigital is part of the AdLoad malware family.
ProjectorDigital adware overview
Adware operates by displaying ads on various interfaces. It is noteworthy that specific conditions may be necessary for this software to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, such as a compatible browser/system, visits to particular websites, etc. However, regardless of whether ProjectorDigital displays adverts – its presence remains a threat.
Adware-delivered advertisements primarily promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that while genuine content may be encountered through these adverts – it is unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad adware commonly has browser-hijacking functionalities – however, ProjectorDigital did not exhibit these traits during testing.
The ProjectorDigital application might have data-tracking abilities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, software like ProjectorDigital may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ProjectorDigital |
| 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
ResearchRise, ProgressLauncher, and OriginalNavigation are just a couple examples of adware that we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers a wide variety of functionalities. However, these functions are usually fake and nonoperational – their purpose is to lure users into downloading/installing the software.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ProjectorDigital install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed through scam websites. Visitors primarily access these webpages via redirects generated by sites that use rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Upon being clicked, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. All downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, etc.).
We advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ProjectorDigital, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ProjectorDigital adware's installation is over:
ProjectorDigital 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 ProjectorDigital?
- STEP 1. Remove ProjectorDigital related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ProjectorDigital ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ProjectorDigital adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ProjectorDigital ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ProjectorDigital adware using Combo Cleaner:
ProjectorDigital adware removal:
Remove ProjectorDigital-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays ads that endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Additionally, this software is classified as a privacy threat since it usually collects private information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of adverts on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. Furthermore, some types can also generate redirects and gather sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ProjectorDigital adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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