How to remove the VirtualProcesser adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is VirtualProcesser?
VirtualProcesser is a rogue application discovered by our research team during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining the software, we learned that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.
VirtualProcesser adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. In most cases, this software operates by displaying ads (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, banners, overlays, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
The advertisements can endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and malware. Some can even perform stealthy downloads/installations once triggered (by being clicked).
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products or services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Certain conditions may be necessary for adware to function as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific sites, etc.). However, even if VirtualProcesser does not deliver ads – the app's presence on a system remains a threat.
Furthermore, AdLoad applications commonly possess browser-hijacking abilities – although we did not observe these qualities during our analysis of VirtualProcesser.
Usually, advertising-supported software has data-tracking functions and uses them to collect browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties. VirtualProcesser might operate in this manner as well.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by VirtualProcesser |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), 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. |
Adware examples
We have investigated thousands of adware samples; PracticalProject, InteropSearch, and CommonMethod are just a few of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious. It tends to look ordinary and innocuous. Adware might also use fake functionalities as lures to entice users into download/installation or purchase.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates exactly as described in its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of legitimacy or safety.
How did VirtualProcesser install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware is promoted on genuine-looking download pages and scam sites. They are primarily accessed via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that carry out sneaky downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
Caution is essential to device and user safety. Therefore, always research software before downloading or 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 supplementary apps, extensions, and so on.
Be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, etc.).
Should you keep encountering adverts/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with VirtualProcesser, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once VirtualProcesser adware's installation is over:
VirtualProcesser 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 VirtualProcesser?
- STEP 1. Remove VirtualProcesser related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove VirtualProcesser ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove VirtualProcesser adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove VirtualProcesser ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
VirtualProcesser adware removal:
Remove VirtualProcesser-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 is associated with the following threats – decreased browsing quality, diminished system performance, system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and so on. The bulk of these dangers is posed by the content endorsed through adware-delivered advertisements. This software is deemed to be a privacy threat itself, as it usually has data-tracking capabilities.
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 information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove VirtualProcesser adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. After the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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