How to remove ParameterPortal adware from Mac operating systems
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ParameterPortal?
ParameterPortal is a rogue app discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. This application is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family.
ParameterPortal adware overview
Adware generates revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. In most cases, this software functions by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, coupons, etc.) on visited webpages, desktops, or other interfaces.
Specific conditions may be necessary for adware to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if ParameterPortal does not display advertisements – the app remains a threat to device/user safety.
These advertisements can promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and malware. Some can even carry out sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked. Note that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad applications may have a browser-hijacking functionalities – however, ParameterPortal did not exhibit them during our analysis.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking abilities. Hence, ParameterPortal might collect browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like ParameterPortal on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ParameterPortal |
| 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
DynamicEntry, OverallVariety, and ExpandedSync are just a couple examples of Mac-targeting adware. Software within this classification usually appears genuine and harmless. Users may be lured into downloading/installing it by promises of various "handy" functionalities. However, these functions rarely work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Remember that the legitimacy/safety of software is not proved by operational features alone.
How did ParameterPortal install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Adware is also proliferated by intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Additionally, this software is endorsed on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Most visitors access these webpages via redirects caused by sites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive adverts, and adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
Vigilance is crucial when browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ParameterPortal, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ParameterPortal adware's installation is over:
ParameterPortal 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 ParameterPortal?
- STEP 1. Remove ParameterPortal related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ParameterPortal ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ParameterPortal adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ParameterPortal ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
ParameterPortal adware removal:
Remove ParameterPortal-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 displays advertisements promoting content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Its presence on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware itself is classed as a privacy threat since it typically has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary function is to display advertisements on visited websites or other interfaces. Some adware types can also generate redirects and collect sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Profit is generated through content promotion, and most of it is made via affiliate programs. The developers/publishers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ParameterPortal adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might be ineffective. After the adware has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue running and causing problems. Hence, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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