If you want to get rid of ProductiveOperation app on Mac, then make sure to follow the steps in this removal guide article. The steps presented below can help you remove the unwanted program and strengthen the security of your macOS.
ProductiveOperation Mac Adware
The ProductiveOperation is a Mac adware which appears as a an installed application. It may be integrated into a web browser or open up different application windows, everythin depends on the current configuration.
In this article, we will reveal a few more issues that occur when ProductiveOperation adware is started on a Mac system as well as efficient ways to remove all present harmful files.
Threat Summary
| Name | ProductiveOperation |
| Type | PUP, Adware |
| Short Description | A questionable application that hijacks Mac systems and popular browsers like Safari and Chrome installed on them. Performs browser modifications without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. The program may start every time you start the affected Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss ProductiveOperation. |
Issues Caused by ProductiveOperation Adware on Mac
The ProductiveOperation Mac Adware is a generic threat which is designed for Apple’s desktop operating system. It can be distributed using several different infection methods. Usually adware components like these can be found in phishing sites and email messages — they can impersonate well-known services and companies. These sites can be hosted domain names that sound very similar to portals and may even copy down the exact contents and layout and replace them with fraud links and prompts.
The ProductiveOperation Adware on Mac infection can also be caused by the insertion of the relevant code in payload carrier files. Examples can be macro-infected documents that include the necessary code entries. When they are run by the victims a prompt will be showns asking them to enable the relevant scripts, when this is done the infection will start. The other popular carrier which is often chosen by the hackers is the application installer. Criminals typically use the most commonly accessed software packages — creativity suites, productivity and office tools, as well as computer games. They are made by taking the official files from their sites and adding in the virus code. From there on these setup bundles can be spread using common tactics. This can include not only sending them over the phishing strategies mentioned above and also on file-sharing networks and social networks. A popular option is to use the so-called browser hijackers — which are malicious extensions made for the most popular web browsers. When they are installed they will install the ProductiveOperation Adware on Mac as part of its infection sequence.
Active ProductiveOperation Adware on Mac infections can lead to any of the following malware actions:
- Browser Changes — The adware can manipulate common settings values such as the default home page, search engine and new tabs page in order to redirect the users to a hacker-controlled page.
- Redirect Page Display — Once the ProductiveOperation Adware on Mac is installed on the computer the victims will be shown a hacker-controlled page. It can impersonate well-known portals and services — commonly they are used to show phishing and scam prompts.
- Users Tracking and Files Theft — Adware and malware for Mac are often configured to track and monitor the behavior of the users. This can be further extended to files theft — the harvested data cna include both personal and system files.
- Additional Malware Delivery — Many malware of this category can be used to install other types of viruses. The first infection is done in order to carry out the preparatory stages. Common virus examples include the file encrypting ransomware which will extort the victims for a cryptocurrency payment, the Remote Access Trojan which can overtake control of the computers. Web-based infections which are typically caused by redirect pages and viruses like the ProductiveOperation Adware on Mac can also install a cryptocurrency miner — a script that will download a series of complex mathematical tasks that are will take advantage of the available computing power. The major hardware components which are going to be affected include the CPU, GPU, Memory, Hard Disk Space and Network Speed. For every completed task the criminals will receive cryptocurrency assets as a reward.
At any time the behavior pattern can change thereby inducing other possible actions. For this reason we recommend that at the first sign of infection the virus is removed. Follow these steps to attempt recovery.
Remove ProductiveOperation Mac Adware
In order to remove the ProductiveOperation adware program along with all entries it has created on the system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you manual and automatic removal approach. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. Some of the files associated with the adware cannot be removed manually except you are an experienced computer user. So the manual adware removal might be quite a complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic removal and get rid of ProductiveOperation adware with the help of advanced anti-malware tool.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
Follow Me:
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 ProductiveOperation files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ProductiveOperation, 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 ProductiveOperation 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 ProductiveOperation:
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 ProductiveOperation. 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 ProductiveOperation. 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 ProductiveOperation 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 ProductiveOperation. 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 ProductiveOperation – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
ProductiveOperation-FAQ
What is ProductiveOperation on your Mac?
The ProductiveOperation 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 ProductiveOperation?
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 ProductiveOperation?
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 ProductiveOperation Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ProductiveOperation 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 ProductiveOperation?
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 ProductiveOperation threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.