How to remove ProductivePlatform adware and the ads it displays

What kind of application is ProductivePlatform?

Our research team discovered ProductivePlatform adware while browsing file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. This application is part of the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns.

ProductivePlatform adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns by displaying ads on various interfaces (e.g., visited websites, desktops, etc.).

However, adware might not operate as intended if the browser/system is incompatible, particular sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Yet even if ProductivePlatform does not deliver adverts – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

These advertisements can endorse a variety of deceptive and dangerous content, including online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Note that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

ProductivePlatform might possess browser-hijacking abilities, as they are commonly part of AdLoad applications. However, this adware did not hijack browsers during our analysis.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this may be true of ProductivePlatform. Targeted data can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ProductivePlatform
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

ValueIndexer, ToolboxKey, ExplorePartition, DynamicMore, and EssentialProject are jus a couple examples of adware we have investigated recently. Software within this classification tends to appear legitimate and innocuous.

Users may be enticed to download/install it by promises of various functionalities. These features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational. Keep in mind that even if an app or a browser extension works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.

How did ProductivePlatform install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Adware is also promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites. They are primarily accessed via redirects caused by websites that employ rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

Additionally, advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, it is important to study times and options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, tools, extensions, features, etc.

We also advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove ProductivePlatform adware using Combo Cleaner:

ProductivePlatform adware removal:

Remove ProductivePlatform-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 promote content that may cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. It can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware places third-party graphical content (adverts) on various interfaces. It may also be capable of generating redirects and collecting vulnerable information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, products, etc.). Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ProductivePlatform adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware and other undesirable software thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion