Removal instructions for the StandartPortal adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is StandartPortal?
While reviewing new file submissions to VirusTotal, our research team found the StandartPortal application. After investigating this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. StandartPortal is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns.
StandartPortal adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces. These adverts primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate content may be encountered via these ads – it is unlikely to be endorsed by its 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.
Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, such as incompatible browser/system specs, particular websites not visited, etc. However, regardless of whether StandartPortal displays adverts – it remains a threat.
Additionally, AdLoad apps commonly have browser hijacker abilities, but we did not observe these functionalities while investigating StandartPortal.
Furthermore, this rogue application likely collects private information. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like StandartPortal on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by StandartPortal |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), 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
ElectronicInformative, ServiceCommand, and ProgressFunction are merely a couple examples of adware-type applications we have analyzed recently. Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers a wide variety of "handy" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did StandartPortal install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing tactic – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions.
The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed by scam sites. Users primarily access 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 capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with StandartPortal, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once StandartPortal adware's installation is over:
StandartPortal 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 StandartPortal?
- STEP 1. Remove StandartPortal related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove StandartPortal ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove StandartPortal adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove StandartPortal ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove StandartPortal adware using Combo Cleaner:
StandartPortal adware removal:
Remove StandartPortal-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-delivered adverts primarily endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some adware types can also force-open sites and collect sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit mainly via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove StandartPortal adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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