Removal instructions for the ProjectRootEducate adware-type app

What kind of application is ProjectRootEducate?

While inspecting new file submissions to the VirusTotal site, our research team discovered the ProjectRootEducate app. After analyzing it, we learned that this application is adware from the AdLoad malware family. ProjectRootEducate is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.

ProjectRootEducate adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically operates by placing third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, banners, pop-ups, surveys, etc.) on visited websites or other interfaces.

These advertisements can endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and malware. Once clicked on, some of these ads can even execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Note that any genuine content encountered through these adverts – is unlikely to be promoted by official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers motivated to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed product's affiliate programs.

Software within this classification may require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if ProjectRootEducate does not deliver advertisements – this app endangers device integrity and user privacy.

We have found many AdLoad applications with browser-hijacking capabilities in the past, yet we did not observe these qualities while testing ProjectRootEducate.

Adware usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might be true of the ProjectRootEducate app. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like ProjectRootEducate on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ProjectRootEducate
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.m), 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 written about thousands of adware-type apps; OpenProcess, PublicAnalog, and BitIndexer are just a couple of our latest articles.

This software usually appears harmless and offers various handy functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. It must be stressed that functional features alone do not prove an application's legitimacy or safety.

How did ProjectRootEducate install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, used "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.

Some intrusive advertisements are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. These ads are also used to proliferate advertising-supported software.

Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites. These webpages are most commonly accessed via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing. All downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, we recommend studying terms and options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, 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 ProjectRootEducate, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove ProjectRootEducate adware using Combo Cleaner:

ProjectRootEducate adware removal:

Remove ProjectRootEducate-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 ads may endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of the 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. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, tools, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove ProjectRootEducate adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type applications that are installed. Manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. These remnants may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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