How to eliminate the ProductLauncher application from your Mac

What kind of application is ProductLauncher?

ProductLauncher is a rogue app that we discovered while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this piece of software, we learned that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. This advertising-supported software feeds users with unwanted and potentially malicious adverts.

ProductLauncher adware overview

Adware can display ads on various interfaces. This third-party graphical content primarily endorses online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some of the advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.

It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether ProductLauncher displays ads – its presence on a system remains a threat.

AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities, although we did not observe these features while examining ProductLauncher.

Adware usually collects sensitive user information, and it is not unlikely that ProductLauncher has such data-tracking abilities as well. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, view webpages, searched queries, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like ProductLauncher on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ProductLauncher
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. ▼ 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

Ryder, SoftwareAssist, ActiveEnviroment, TrustTriviaLogoff, and AdvancedEntry are just a few examples of adware we have analyzed recently.

Software within this category tends to look genuine and innocuous. Users can be enticed into downloading/installing it by promises of the various functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.

It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.

How did ProductLauncher install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.

Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users primarily access these pages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, investigating available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ProductLauncher, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once ProductLauncher adware's installation is over:

ProductLauncher 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 ProductLauncher?
• STEP 1. Remove ProductLauncher related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove ProductLauncher ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove ProductLauncher adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove ProductLauncher ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove ProductLauncher adware using Combo Cleaner:

ProductLauncher adware removal:

Remove ProductLauncher-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 delivers advertisements that endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, this software is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ProductLauncher adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, after the software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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