How to remove ProductiveRotator adware from Mac?
What is ProductiveRotator?
ProductiveRotator is a piece of rogue software, classified as adware. It also has browser hijacker qualities. Hence, it operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns and by making changes to browser settings - in order to promote fake search engines. ProductiveRotator promotes 6v5f3l.com on Safari browsers and search.locatorunit.com on Google Chrome browsers. Additionally, adware-types and browser hijackers have data tracking abilities, which are employed to spy on users' browsing activity. Since most users download/install ProductiveRotator inadvertently, it is also deemed to be a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). One of the questionable methods used to distribute ProductiveRotator is via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. It is noteworthy that illegitimate software updaters/installers proliferate not only PUAs but ransomware, trojans and other malware as well.
Adware enables the placement of pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys and other intrusive advertisements - typically, on any visited website. The delivered ads seriously diminish the browsing quality, as they overlay page content and limit the browsing speed. However, intrusive adverts are more than just a nuisance, they are also deemed to be dangerous. When clicked on, these advertisements redirect to various sale-oriented/promotional, rogue, compromised, deceptive/scam and malicious sites. Furthermore, some intrusive ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts, designed to download/install software (e.g. PUAs) without user consent. Browser hijackers reassign browsers' homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs - to the addresses of fake web searchers. Therefore, with such a piece of software installed: every new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address. ProductiveRotator promotes illegitimate search engines in this manner as well; on Safari it promotes 6v5f3l.com and search.locatorunit.com - on Google Chrome. Fake search engines are rarely able to generate search results, so they tend to redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google and other legitimate ones. Browser hijackers can restrict/deny access to the browser's settings and/or undo any permitted changes made. What is more, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data. They can monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and gather personal information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, financial losses, severe privacy issues and even identity theft. To ensure device and user safety, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed without delay.
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| Name | Ads by ProductiveRotator |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Sophos AV (AdLoad (PUA)), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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), fake Flash Player installers, 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. |
ExpandedCommand, ProgressBuffer, AnalyzerSource and ChangeParameter are some examples of other adware-type apps. They appear legitimate and offer a wide variety of 'useful' functionalities. However, the advertised features are seldom operational. In fact, this applies to nearly all PUAs. The only purpose of unwanted software is to generate revenue for the developers. Therefore, instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can run intrusive advertisement campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects and collect sensitive data.
How did ProductiveRotator install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed via download/installation setups of other software. This false marketing tactic of pre-packing regular products with unwanted or malicious additions - is called 'bundling'. Rushed download/installation processes (e.g. ignored terms, skipped steps and sections, used 'Easy/Express' settings, etc.) - increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system. Select PUAs have 'official' promotional sites, from which they can be downloaded. Intrusive advertisements proliferate these applications as well. Once clicked on, they can execute scripts to stealthily download/install PUAs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is important to research software before download/installation and/or purchase. Only official and verified download channels must be used. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders - are considered to be untrustworthy, due to commonly offering bundled content. When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, explore all available options, use the 'Custom/Advanced' settings and opt-out from additional apps, tools, features, and so on. Intrusive adverts usually appear legitimate, however they redirect to various unreliable and questionable webpages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.). In case of encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, the system must be inspected and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately removed. If your computer is already infected with ProductiveRotator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
ProductiveRotator adware distributed though fake Adobe Flash Player updater/installer:
Pop-up window displayed once ProductiveRotator adware installation is over:
Appearance of ProductiveRotator adware promoting 6v5f3l.com (GIF):
Appearance of ProductiveRotator adware promoting search.locatorunit.com (GIF):
ProductiveRotator adware installed onto the Safari browser:
ProductiveRotator adware's installation folder:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer 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 MacBy 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 three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- STEP 1. Remove ProductiveRotator related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ProductiveRotator ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ProductiveRotator adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ProductiveRotator ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ProductiveRotator adware using Combo Cleaner:
ProductiveRotator adware removal:
Remove ProductiveRotator-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.
Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Remove ads by productiverotator 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 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 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 in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure 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 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 it's virus definition database and click '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.
Ads by ProductiveRotator removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by productiverotator related Safari extensions:
Open 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 normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove ads by productiverotator related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the 'Open Menu' (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose 'Add-ons'.
Choose the 'Extensions' tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Remove' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove ads by productiverotator related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the 'Chrome menu' (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose 'More Tools' and select 'Extensions'.
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In the 'Extensions' window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Trash' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
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- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.