Removal instructions for the PracticalDisplay adware-type app

What kind of application is PracticalDisplay?

Our researchers found the PracticalDisplay application while reviewing new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After investigating this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. PracticalDisplay is part of the AdLoad malware family. This app operates by delivering intrusive advert campaigns.

PracticalDisplay adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. As the classification implies, it generates revenue for its developers through advertising. This typically entails running intrusive advertisement campaigns. Adware displays intrusive ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, etc.) on various interfaces.

Certain conditions may be necessary for this software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc.). However, even if PracticalDisplay does not deliver adverts – it endangers device and user safety.

Adware-displayed ads can endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. Some of the advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Although we did not observe PracticalDisplay exhibiting browser-hijacking traits, it might have these functionalities since they are common for AdLoad applications.

Additionally, PracticalDisplay may possess data-tracking abilities. In general, advertising-supported software targets the following information: browsing and search engine histories, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by PracticalDisplay
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.29), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.g), 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

ActivityOverall, EntryBox, CompanyDynamic, and ConnectedTools are merely a few examples of adware-type apps that we have written about recently.

Software within this category tends to look ordinary and useful. However, any functionalities that it promises – are rarely operational. Even if an application or a browser extension works as advertised – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.

How did PracticalDisplay install on my computer?

Adware is endorsed on various suspicious webpages, including fake promotional and scam sites. Most users access these pages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Additionally, adware is distributed using the bundling marketing tactic, which entails ordinary program installers being packed with unwanted/malicious supplements.

Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, features, etc.).

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

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove PracticalDisplay adware using Combo Cleaner:

PracticalDisplay adware removal:

Remove PracticalDisplay-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-delivered advertisements can endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Furthermore, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it usually collects sensitive information.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. The software's primary functions can include displaying third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering vulnerable data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove PracticalDisplay adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type applications detected. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various components (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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