Removal instructions for the ProtocolBroadband adware-type app

What kind of application is ProtocolBroadband?

ProtocolBroadband is a rogue app discovered by our researchers during a routine investigation of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform.

Upon examination, we determined that this application is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. ProtocolBroadband is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and potentially harmful advertisements.

ProtocolBroadband adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, coupons, etc.) on websites and/or different interfaces.

However, specific conditions may be required for adware to run intrusive advertisement campaigns in this manner (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Yet even if ProtocolBroadband does not display adverts – it remains a threat to device and user safety.

Adware-delivered advertisements predominantly endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and malware. Some of these ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

We have found many instances of AdLoad adware with browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe these traits while analyzing the ProtocolBroadband application.

Advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to ProtocolBroadband. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like ProtocolBroadband on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ProtocolBroadband
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchpr), 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

We have investigated countless adware-type apps; ElectronicPersonal, NetProcess, ReviewWebpageClick – are merely a couple of examples. While software within this category usually appears ordinary and harmless, it seldom operates as indicated by its promotional material.

Users can be lured into downloading/installing adware by its "useful" functionalities. These features rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly non-functional. Note that even if a piece of software operates as advertised – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.

How did ProtocolBroadband install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, and other dubious sources. The risk is further compounded by rushing through installation processes, e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.

Furthermore, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and deceptive/scam sites. Users primarily enter these pages via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements as well. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary applications, extensions, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their ordinary/harmless appearance – intrusive adverts redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).

If you keep encountering ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious apps and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ProtocolBroadband, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove ProtocolBroadband adware using Combo Cleaner:

ProtocolBroadband adware removal:

Remove ProtocolBroadband-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-displayed advertisements promote deceptive/harmful content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). This software can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, it is deemed to be a privacy threat, as adware usually gathers private information.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to generate revenue through advertising. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, causing redirects, and collecting sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ProtocolBroadband adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, various file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the software has been manually removed. What is more, the remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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