Removal instructions for PositiveFocus adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is PositiveFocus?
Our researchers found the PositiveFocus app during a routine review of new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
PositiveFocus is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and potentially dangerous ads.
PositiveFocus adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, surveys, etc.) on various interfaces.
Note that specific conditions may be necessary for adware to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if PositiveFocus does not deliver adverts – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety.
Adware-displayed advertisements predominantly promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products or services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
While we have found multiple instances of AdLoad adware-type apps exhibiting browser-hijacking functionalities, we did not observe them while analyzing PositiveFocus.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to PositiveFocus. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. The gathered data can then be monetized through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, software like PositiveFocus may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by PositiveFocus |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CL [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.41), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adloa), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Agent.ad), 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 countless adware samples; TrustedEnumerator, DynamicTable, AccessibleTool, and Unorthodoxly.app are merely a couple examples of our latest finds.
Software within this category usually appears legitimate and innocuous. It can also offer a broad range of "useful" features, which are typically fake and nonoperational. It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did PositiveFocus install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users mainly 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 abilities).
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 and downloading only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive adverts redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering ads/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PositiveFocus, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed when PositiveFocus adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"PositiveFocus" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on a unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Files related to the PositiveFocus adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.PositiveFocus.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.PositiveFocus.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.PositiveFocus.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.PositiveFocus.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like PositiveFocus alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you'll have to restore them manually.
Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.
Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.
Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".
Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also set the settings of each protocol to default - "*.local, 169.254/16".
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 PositiveFocus?
- STEP 1. Remove PositiveFocus related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PositiveFocus ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PositiveFocus adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PositiveFocus ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PositiveFocus adware using Combo Cleaner:
PositiveFocus adware removal:
Remove PositiveFocus-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 displays advertisements that endorse content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). This software may decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, it usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary function is content promotion achieved through displayed ads (e.g., on visited websites, desktops, etc.). Furthermore, some adware types can also generate redirects and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by promoting content, e.g., websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PositiveFocus adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the software has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. These components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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