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How to eliminate OpenProcess adware from the operating system

Also Known As: Ads by OpenProcess
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is OpenProcess?

OpenProcess is a piece of software that is classified as adware. Our researchers found this application during a routine investigation of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. OpenProcess belongs to the AdLoad malware family, and it runs intrusive advertisement campaigns.

OpenProcess adware

OpenProcess adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. As the naming implies, the software's purpose is to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. This is typically achieved by displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others.

It must be mentioned that certain conditions may be necessary for adware to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). Yet even if OpenProcess does not deliver ads – this app remains a threat to system/user safety.

Adware-displayed adverts can endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

While legitimate products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers or other official parties. This promotion is most likely undertaken by scammers motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.

AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities – however, OpenProcess did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.

Advertising-supported software usually possesses data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of OpenProcess. Adware tends to target browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

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

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by OpenProcess
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.5), 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

PublicAnalogBitIndexer, and DefaultService are merely a couple of our newest articles on adware-type apps. Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious – it tends to look legitimate and innocuous. This software might also offer a broad range of useful features. However, these functionalities are usually just bait to trick users into downloading/installing – hence, they are completely nonoperational.

But remember that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did OpenProcess install on my computer?

Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. They are primarily accessed through redirects caused by intrusive ads, sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to distribute advertising-supported software.

Downloading from suspect sources, such as freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party channels – poses a threat of bundled content infiltrating the device. The risk is compounded by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

This software is proliferated by intrusive adverts as well. Some of the advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. Another recommendation is to treat installations with caution by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.

We also advise vigilance while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – however, they redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OpenProcess, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once OpenProcess installation is complete

OpenProcess adware's installation folder:

OpenProcess adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove OpenProcess adware using Combo Cleaner:

OpenProcess adware removal:

Remove OpenProcess-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Serious threats are posed by the content promoted through adware-displayed ads (e.g., system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, advertising-supported software is considered a privacy threat, as it usually gathers sensitive information.

What does adware do?

Adware operates by displaying advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types are also capable of force-opening webpages and collecting vulnerable data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue by promoting various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove OpenProcess adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, after the software has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to thoroughly eliminate advertising-supported software.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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