How to eliminate the ProgramIndexer adware from your Mac

What kind of application is ProgramIndexer?

Our research team found the ProgramIndexer app while reviewing file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After inspecting this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family.

ProgramIndexer adware overview

Adware generates revenue for its developers through advertising. It typically operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces.

Note that advertising-supported software might require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if ProgramIndexer does not display adverts – this app remains a threat to system integrity and user privacy.

Adware-delivered advertisements commonly endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.

AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking functionalities – however, we did not observe these qualities while analyzing ProgramIndexer.

Advertising-supported software usually collects private information, and data tracking might be among ProgramIndexer's capabilities. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. This vulnerable information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ProgramIndexer
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), 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

NetField, ControlMethod, MasterProject, DockBuffer, and ExecutiveSync are merely some examples of adware we have examined recently. Software within this category tends to appear legitimate and harmless.

Users may be lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of various "handy" functions. However, these features are usually fake and nonoperational. It must be mentioned 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 ProgramIndexer install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. These pre-packed installers are proliferated via dubious download channels, such as freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, and other third-party sources. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Furthermore, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional webpages and scam sites. Most visitors access them via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

Some intrusive advertisements are capable of executing scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked. These adverts are also used to spread advertising-supported software.

How to avoid installation of adware?

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

Fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless – therefore, we advise being vigilant when browsing. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove ProgramIndexer adware using Combo Cleaner:

ProgramIndexer adware removal:

Remove ProgramIndexer-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 content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, this software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware is also considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying advertisements on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ProgramIndexer adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, various file remnants stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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