How to eliminate OpenProcess adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
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 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.
| 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. |
Adware examples
PublicAnalog, BitIndexer, 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:
OpenProcess 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
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Quick menu:
- What is OpenProcess?
- STEP 1. Remove OpenProcess related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OpenProcess ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OpenProcess adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OpenProcess ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove OpenProcess adware using Combo Cleaner:
OpenProcess adware removal:
Remove OpenProcess-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 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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