Removing ExplorerProgress adware and the advertisements it displays

What kind of application is ExplorerProgress?

Our researchers discovered the ExplorerProgress app during a routine inspection of file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this software, we learned that it is yet another adware-type application from the AdLoad malware family. ExplorerProgress is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns.

ExplorerProgress adware overview

Advertising-supported software (adware) delivers intrusive advert campaigns, typically by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, etc.) on various interfaces.

However, certain conditions may be required for this software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). Yet even if ExplorerProgress does not display advertisements – it endangers device integrity and user safety.

Adware-delivered ads can promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Note that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion 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.

AdLoad adware-type apps often possess browser-hijacking capabilities – however, ExplorerProgress did not exhibit these traits during testing.

What is more, advertising-supported software usually gathers private information, and this might apply to the ExplorerProgress application.

Adware tends to target browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. This sensitive information can be monetized through sale to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like ExplorerProgress on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ExplorerProgress
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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

CommonConsole, GuideInfo, ConnectedSource, OnlinePartition, and PracticalEntry are just some examples of adware. Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and innocuous.

Adware can offer various useful features as well. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.

How did ExplorerProgress install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing method, which involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements.

Downloading from suspect sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – pose a threat of having bundled content infiltrate the device.

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

Another distribution technique is using fake "official" promotional pages and scam sites (that use scare tactics or different social engineering methods.

These webpages are primarily accessed via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

Caution is crucial to device and user safety. Therefore, always research software before downloading or purchasing it. Download only from official and trustworthy channels. When installing, read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of additional apps, extensions, etc.

Be vigilant when browsing, as the Internet is rife with believable fraudulent and malicious content. For example, despite the ordinary/harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

Should you keep encountering advertisements/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 ExplorerProgress, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

ExplorerProgress adware removal:

Remove ExplorerProgress-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 endorsed through adware-displayed advertisements (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). This software usually has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its goal is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. Adware's primary functions can include placing ads on various interfaces, force-opening webpages, and collecting sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing content. The developers/publishers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ExplorerProgress adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type applications that are present. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, file remnants stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, these components might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is paramount.

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