How to eliminate the ProgramSource adware-type app from your Mac

What kind of application is ProgramSource?

Our research team discovered an app named ProgramSource during a routine investigation of new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this application, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. ProgramSource operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns.

ProgramSource adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically displays third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

These advertisements can promote various scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and malware. Some intrusive ads can even be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Note that while legitimate products or services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. This endorsement is most likely undertaken by scammers motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the promoted content's affiliate programs.

Certain conditions may be necessary for adware to deliver intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether ProgramSource displays ads – its presence on a system threatens device and user safety.

We have found many AdLoad adware-type apps with browser-hijacking capabilities in the past – but we did not observe these qualities during our analysis of ProgramSource.

Advertising-supported software usually collects private information, and ProgramSource might have such data-tracking functionalities as well. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. This vulnerable information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ProgramSource
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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

Cyclostomatous, Lobelia, Jirin.app, Bc20, App_updater, and IntegerDrivePrivacy are just some of our newest articles on adware.

Applications and browser extensions within this classification usually appear legitimate and innocuous. They can also offer a broad range of useful and advantageous functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did ProgramSource install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.

Some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked. These ads are also used to proliferate advertising-supported software.

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

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified sources. We recommend treating installation processes with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.

We also advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless – yet redirect users to unreliable and dubious websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove ProgramSource adware using Combo Cleaner:

ProgramSource adware removal:

Remove ProgramSource-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. Significant threats can be posed by the content endorsed via adware-delivered advertisements (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, this software is considered a privacy threat since it typically has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to generate revenue through advertising. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening sites, and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove ProgramSource adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type apps present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. After the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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