How to eliminate FrontierProcessor adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is FrontierProcessor?
Our research team discovered the FrontierProcessor application while reviewing new file submissions to VirusTotal. After inspecting this app, we learned that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. FrontierProcessor is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and deceptive ads.
FrontierProcessor adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These ads mainly promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some of them can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions might be required for adware to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Although regardless of whether FrontierProcessor displays ads – it endangers device/user safety.
AdLoad applications often have browser hijacker functionalities – however, FrontierProcessor did not exhibit these capabilities during analysis.
Furthermore, this app might have data-tracking abilities since they are standard for adware. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like FrontierProcessor on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by FrontierProcessor |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.32), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), 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 investigated thousands of adware-type applications; WouldLatest, ProduceSelect, PlatformProduct, and ConnectivityRepair are merely a few examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers a wide variety of functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Keep in mind that operational functionalities do not guarantee an app's legitimacy or safety.
How did FrontierProcessor install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users access such pages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening abilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software can be bundled with ordinary programs. The danger of unintentionally 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, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive adverts proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Another recommendation is to be cautious when installing content by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We also advise being vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless yet redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with FrontierProcessor, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once FrontierProcessor adware's installation is over:
FrontierProcessor 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 FrontierProcessor?
- STEP 1. Remove FrontierProcessor related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove FrontierProcessor ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove FrontierProcessor adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove FrontierProcessor ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove FrontierProcessor adware using Combo Cleaner:
FrontierProcessor adware removal:
Remove FrontierProcessor-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 ads endorse content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software may decrease browsing quality and system performance. It typically has data-tracking functionalities – hence, adware is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software enables the placement of ads on various interfaces. Additionally, it may be capable of force-opening sites and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by promoting various websites, apps, browser extensions, products, services, and other content. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove FrontierProcessor adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components can continue to run and cause problems. It is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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