How to remove ProductCommand adware and the adverts it delivers

What kind of application is ProductCommand?

Our researchers discovered ProductCommand while reviewing file submissions to the VirusTotal site. Upon inspection, we learned that ProductCommand is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. It operates by running intrusive ad campaigns.

ProductCommand adware overview

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. This is typically achieved by displaying advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.

It must be mentioned that software within this classification might not deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether ProductCommand displays adverts – it endangers device and user safety.

Adware-delivered ads commonly endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

While legitimate content may be encountered via these ads – it is unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. The most probable promoters are scammers who abuse the product's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

We have found many AdLoad adware-type apps with browser-hijacking functionalities – however, we did not observe these qualities while testing ProductCommand.

This rogue application likely gathers private information, as data tracking is standard for advertising-supported software. ProductCommand might seek browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, software like ProductCommand may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ProductCommand
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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 numerous adware samples; TaskParameter, IndexerArchive, EssentialConfig, and EssentialFrequency are but a few of our newest finds.

Advertising-supported software typically appears ordinary and harmless. It can also offer a broad range of "useful" features. However, these functions usually serve the purpose of bait that lures users into downloading/installing the software. Note that operational features do not prove an application's legitimacy or safety.

How did ProductCommand install on my computer?

"Bundling" – the marketing technique that involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to proliferate adware.

Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, use "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – carry the threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content to infiltrate the device.

Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Users primarily access these pages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. We recommend downloading only from official and verified channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, and so on.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing, as fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ProductCommand, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove ProductCommand adware using Combo Cleaner:

ProductCommand adware removal:

Remove ProductCommand-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?

Severe threats are posed by the content promoted through adware-displayed advertisements, including system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and others. The presence of advertising-supported software on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Furthermore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy since adware typically has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to feed users with unwanted and potentially dangerous ads. It can display this third-party graphical content on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can generate redirects and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit by promoting content (e.g., sites, services, products, applications, browser extensions, etc.). Most of the revenue is made through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ProductCommand adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, after the software has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, thorough removal is key.

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