What Is ActiveProtocol?
ActiveProtocol PUP is a malicious software that belongs to the AdLoad adware family. AdLoad adware, known for its intrusive and unwanted advertising techniques, infiltrates systems through deceptive methods and compromises the user’s browsing experience. ActiveProtocol specifically operates as a potentially unwanted program within this notorious family.
Once installed on a device, it engages in activities such as displaying excessive pop-up advertisements, redirecting web traffic, and tracking user data without consent. These actions not only disrupt the user’s online activities but also pose significant privacy and security risks. It is crucial to promptly detect and remove ActiveProtocol PUP to ensure a safe and ad-free browsing experience.
What Is AdLoad?
AdLoad is a family of Mac adware that was initially discovered in 2018 and has since been found in multiple applications across the macOS ecosystem. This serves as a reminder for Mac users to exercise caution when downloading apps from unknown or untrusted sources.
AdLoad operates as an ad-injection program, flooding users with pop-up ads and promotional messages that can disrupt the normal functioning of their Macs and cause performance issues. As part of this adware family, ActiveProtocol has the capability to collect user data and monitor browsing activity, raising privacy concerns for affected users.
![ActiveProtocol Virus [Mac Removal Guide]](https://cdn.sensorstechforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ActiveProtocol-Virus-Mac-Removal-Guide-1024x585.jpeg)
ActiveProtocol Details
| Name | ActiveProtocol a.k.a. Trojan.Adload |
| Type | Adware / Potentially Unwanted Application |
| Short Description | A program that delivers lots of annoying advertisements in browsers it affects. |
| Symptoms | Browser slowdowns could occur due to increased number of ads generated by the adware. Sensitive detials could be obtained by unknown actors. |
| Distribution Method | Software bundles; Corrupted installers; Deceptive web pages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Combo Cleaner
Malware Removal Tool
|
How Did I Get ActiveProtocol Installed on My Mac?
The installation of ActiveProtocol on your Mac can occur through various methods. One common way is through deceptive tactics, such as malicious email attachments, banners, or pop-ups that appear genuine but contain viruses or malicious code. Clicking on these attachments can unknowingly trigger the installation of the ActiveProtocol application on your Mac. Another method involves software bundles, where hidden malicious software is bundled with legitimate programs, leading to the unintended installation of adware like ActiveProtocol without your knowledge or consent.
The distribution techniques used by ActiveProtocol often rely on deceptive practices that exploit users’ trust. This can include bundled software installers and fake software updates, which are often delivered through compromised web pages, such as the Adobe Flash Player out-of-date browser scam.
What Does ActiveProtocol Do?
ActiveProtocol is categorized as adware, which inundates users with a significant volume of online advertisements. It modifies the settings of popular browsers such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Safari to display an excessive number of ads, significantly impacting the performance and speed of your Mac. Also, ActiveProtocol can redirect users to malicious websites operated by online scammers.
Note that ActiveProtocol employs tracking technologies to collect user data, which is then transmitted to its servers. To protect your data and prevent ActiveProtocol from displaying ads and gathering information, it is crucial to remove all associated files from your system and compromised browsers.
Is ActiveProtocol a Computer Virus?
ActiveProtocol is not technically classified as a computer virus. However, it does pose risks as it exhibits characteristics of adware, potentially unwanted programs, and backdoor capabilities. For optimal safety, it is highly recommended to completely remove ActiveProtocol from your Mac.
Is ActiveProtocol Dangerous?
Once installed on your Mac, ActiveProtocol can establish persistence by residing in the LaunchAgents folder within the Library folder. Removing ActiveProtocol completely requires a more technical approach and specialized care to eliminate it from your Mac.
How to Protect My Mac from ActiveProtocol
To prevent the installation of potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) like ActiveProtocol and avoid falling victim to unwanted software, it is essential to adopt healthy online habits. Here are some steps you can take to protect your Mac:
- Avoid downloading programs from Internet ads, pop-ups, torrent trackers, file-sharing sites, and other untrustworthy sources.
- During program installation, carefully review and opt-out of any hidden settings in the “Custom” or “Advanced” sections. This allows you to deselect most PUPs.
- Exercise caution when installing unnecessary or unfamiliar programs on your Mac.
- Remain vigilant for excessive or unusual Internet advertising, as these ads may be triggered by PUPs and adware attached to your browser.
- Read the terms and conditions of use when installing any programs to understand their functionalities and potential risks.
- Regularly review your installed software and uninstall any applications that you do not need or recognize.
- Install reputable anti-malware software that can detect and remove potentially unwanted programs from your Mac.
Remove ActiveProtocol from Your Mac
To ensure the protection of your Mac from ActiveProtocol and related files, you can follow a removal guide that provides both manual and automated removal methods. By carefully implementing the outlined techniques in the removal guide, you can maintain a high level of security on your Mac and prevent further malware threats. If you need additional assistance, consider seeking guidance in the comments section of the removal guide.
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Steps to Prepare Before Removal:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove ActiveProtocol files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ActiveProtocol, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Step 2: Uninstall ActiveProtocol and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to ActiveProtocol:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to ActiveProtocol. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to ActiveProtocol. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove ActiveProtocol via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as ActiveProtocol. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3: Remove ActiveProtocol – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
ActiveProtocol-FAQ
What is ActiveProtocol on your Mac?
The ActiveProtocol threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down significantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
Can Macs Get Viruses?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that almost all of the Apple devices can become infected with a threat.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the types of threats that can currently infect your Mac can be rogue antivirus programs, adware or hijackers (PUPs), Trojan horses, ransomware and crypto-miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like ActiveProtocol?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.
There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to Secure My Data from ActiveProtocol?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the ActiveProtocol Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ActiveProtocol how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on ActiveProtocol?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the ActiveProtocol threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.