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Removal instructions for the PracticalEntry adware

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

What kind of application is PracticalEntry?

PracticalEntry is a rogue application discovered by our research team during a routine inspection of file submissions to VirusTotal. This app is advertising-supported software (adware), which is part of the AdLoad malware family. Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.

PracticalEntry adware

PracticalEntry adware overview

Typically, adware displays third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, coupons, banners, pop-ups, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. However, this is more than a mere annoyance, as these advertisements can promote deceptive and malicious content.

Adware-delivered ads commonly endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether PracticalEntry displays ads – the app remains a threat to device/user safety.

We have found many instances of AdLoad applications functioning as browser hijackers – however, PracticalEntry did not exhibit such traits during testing.

Furthermore, adware usually collects sensitive user information, and PracticalEntry might have such a data-tracking functionality. Targeted information include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. This vulnerable information can be monetized through sale to third-parties.

In summary, software like PracticalEntry is associated with system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by PracticalEntry
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.4), 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 the 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

AppRecognitionSectionDesignAppSection, and InitialInfo are merely some examples of adware we have investigated recently. Software within this category rarely appears suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and innocuous.

Adware typically offers various handy features as well. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational. Remember that even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did PracticalEntry install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing method, which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions.

These setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other dubious channels. The risk of unintentionally allowing this content into the system is furthered by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users mainly access these pages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Additionally, advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements. Some of the adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to carry out sneaky downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

Exercising caution is crucial to device safety. Therefore, research software before downloading/purchasing. Download only from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.

Furthermore, be careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications on browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PracticalEntry, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once PracticalEntry installation is complete

PracticalEntry adware's installation folder:

PracticalEntry 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 PracticalEntry adware using Combo Cleaner:

PracticalEntry adware removal:

Remove PracticalEntry-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?

Having adware installed on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Advertising-supported software displays advertisements promoting content that may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Adware typically has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware operates by placing third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. Additionally, it may be capable of force-opening sites and gathering private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue by promoting various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, and other content. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove PracticalEntry adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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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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