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What kind of application is WebProtocol?
We have tested the WebProtocol application and discovered that it is adware. This app can display annoying and sometimes misleading advertisements designed to promote shady web pages. Moreover, multiple security vendors have flagged WebProtocol as malicious, so users should avoid installing it.
WebProtocol adware in detail
WebProtocol can show various advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners), including those containing fake system warnings, offers to update software, error alerts, and similar ads. Clicking these advertisements can expose users to various scams, unwanted downloads, and other online threats.
Ads from WebProtocol can direct users to deceptive sites designed to steal sensitive information, such as credit card details, login credentials, or ID card details. Scammers can misuse this information to hijack personal accounts, commit identity theft, and for other malicious purposes.
Also, WebProtocol's ads can promote pages hosting fraudulent schemes created to extract money from unsuspecting users or sites designed to distribute malicious or unwanted applications. For these reasons, it is highly advisable not to click ads delivered by WebProtocol and similar programs.
Furthermore, WebProtocol can slow down computers and collect browsing data and even sensitive details. It may also be difficult to remove completely. In such cases, running a system scan with a reliable tool like Combo Cleaner is recommended. Overall, WebProtocol is an untrustworthy application that should be removed if detected on a device.
Name | Ads by WebProtocol |
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 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 (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. Download Combo CleanerTo use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com. |
Conclusion
In general, adware can cause intrusive ads, privacy concerns, and reduced system performance. To prevent these issues, it is best to avoid installing adware and remove it if already present. Users should also be cautious, as adware is sometimes disguised as legitimate software to deceive them into installation.
A couple of examples of apps like WebProtocol are ArchiveAccess, ExpertComplete, and BrowserTimes.
How did WebProtocol install on my computer?
Adware often gets installed when users download software from untrustworthy sources or free programs. This usually happens because users rush through the installation without reviewing additional offers. Many installers bundle unwanted applications, which can be avoided by changing options like "Advanced" or "Custom" (manually deselecting unnecessary software).
Users can also download (and then install) adware through third-party downloaders, fake software updates, or deceptive pop-up ads. It can also spread via peer-to-peer networks, unofficial app stores, and notifications from suspicious pages.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Always download software from trusted sources, such as official websites or reputable app stores. During installation, carefully check for unwanted applications and uncheck any you do not need. Avoid interacting with pop-ups, ads, or links from suspicious websites.
Ensure your operating system and apps are up to date, and regularly scan your computer with reliable security software to detect potential threats. If your computer is already infected with WebProtocol, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that appears after the installation of WebProtocol:
WebProtocol installation folder:
Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
DOWNLOAD Combo CleanerBy 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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.
Quick menu:
- What is WebProtocol?
- STEP 1. Remove WebProtocol related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove WebProtocol ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove WebProtocol adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove WebProtocol ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
WebProtocol adware removal:
Remove WebProtocol-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.
DOWNLOAD remover for malware infections
Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.
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?
It can slow devices, diminish user experience (e.g., cause annoyance), expose users to online threats, and lead to privacy issues.
What does adware do?
Software of this type is designed to generate advertisements. Additionally, adware can harvest data and sometimes hijack browsers.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers earn money by promoting products, websites, or services through advertisements. They often generate revenue through affiliate programs, earning commissions for driving traffic or sales.
Will Combo Cleaner remove WebProtocol adware?
Combo Cleaner can thoroughly scan your system and remove detected adware, ensuring complete removal. Manual removal often leaves behind hidden files, so using a tool like Combo Cleaner is recommended.
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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.
PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT.
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