How to remove the ProductiveData adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ProductiveData?
ProductiveData is a rogue app found by our researchers during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this piece of software, we learned that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
ProductiveData adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. This software operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, banners, pop-ups, coupons, etc.) on visited websites or other interfaces.
These advertisements promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is performed by scammers who abuse the promoted content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not function as intended if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, particular websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether ProductiveData displays adverts – the app remains a threat to device/user safety.
While AdLoad applications commonly exhibit browser-hijacking capabilities – we did not observe them while testing ProductiveData.
Additionally, adware typically has data-tracking functionality, and this might apply to ProductiveData. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like ProductiveData on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ProductiveData |
| 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.G), 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. |
Adware examples
We have written about numerous adware-type apps; OnlineDeveloper, ArrayEngine, and VirtualProcesser are merely a couple of our newest articles. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers useful features. However, it seldom operates as promised, and those functionalities tend to be nonexistent.
Keep in mind that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.
How did ProductiveData install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors enter these pages via websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open sites).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing. Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified sources. When installing, it is essential to study terms and options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, tools, extensions, etc.
We advise vigilance when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ProductiveData, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ProductiveData adware's installation is over:
ProductiveData 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 ProductiveData?
- STEP 1. Remove ProductiveData related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ProductiveData ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ProductiveData adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ProductiveData ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
ProductiveData adware removal:
Remove ProductiveData-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. Its advertisements promote content that may cause system infections, financial losses, and other severe issues. Additionally, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware operates by displaying advertisements on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. This software may also be capable of force-opening webpages and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove ProductiveData adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Remember that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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