ProtocolPort Adware
Have you been trying to get rid of an application called ProtocolPort? Perhaps your Mac’s performance has been affected by ProtocolPort? You shouldn’t be surprised by any unwanted behavior associated with this app, as it is classified as adware.
Adware attaches to your browser or operating system to generate intrusive pop-up windows, notifications, and redirects. You may have been “infected” by this so called “virus” through a bundled download or due to clicking on a suspicious pop-up notification. Whatever the reason for having ProtocolPort installed on your Mac is, you should consider removing it as soon as possible to avoid further compromise.
This app is similar to FlexibleProtocol.
ProtocolPort Summary
| Name | ProtocolPort also known as Adware.MAC.Generic.19928, OSX/Agent.sphdt, OSX/Agent.BJ, Trojan:MacOS/Dakkatoni.A!MTB. |
| Type | PUP, Adware |
| Short Description | A questionable application designed to generate pop-ups. Possibly causes browser redirects to suspicious pages. |
| Symptoms | Your browser’s performance is affected due to the amount of intrusive ads. The program may start every time you start the affected Mac, and is possibly persistent in any attempt to remove it manually. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Websites, Fake Software Updates |
| Detection Tool |
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Why Is ProtocolPort Running on My Mac?
The upper question means that you haven’t downloaded the ProtocolPort application willingly. So, if it is running on your system without your knowledge, you may have downloaded it via a bundled installer. Bundling is a tricky monetization method utilized by third-party developers. It may not be malicious but it could definitely cause you a headache or two.
Bundling is the reason for most unwanted downloads of adware and browser hijackers that alter your browser’s default settings. However, it is not the only reason for having an unwanted app silently installed on your Mac. Agreeing to receive push notifications from suspicious websites could also be the reason. For that matter, clicking on any pop-up generated by a bogus website could have caused the sudden appearance of the ProtocolPort adware.
Outcomes of Having ProtocolPort Adware Run on Your Mac
Once started on your Mac, the adware may complete a variety of unwanted changes without asking for your permission. All the changes it applies make the system more vulnerable to future malware intrusions.
Keep in mind that the ads ProtocolPort could generate may be part of shady advertising schemes. If so, you may open a page that contains a malicious script that downloads and installs unwanted/harmful apps.
Furthermore, the adware may also add some tracking technologies to your main browser and start collecting data about your online behavior. As a result, your browser may be flooded with targeted ads, or your details could be sold to undisclosed third parties.
Either way, it would be better if you perform a thorough removal process of ProtocolPort as soon as possible.
Remove ProtocolPort Mac Adware
To remove the ProtocolPort adware program and all its associated files, you should complete several removal steps. The guide below gives you the option to choose between manual and automatic removal approaches. To entirely eliminate files installed by undesired programs and improve the overall condition of your Mac, we recommend that you combine the steps.
Keep in mind that inexperienced computer users may face difficulties while removing some of the adware files. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic removal and get rid of the adware with the help of an advanced anti-malware tool.
How to protect your Mac from adware in the future? Always read carefully all details listed in the installers of apps you plan to download. Take a close look at the information presented under the Advanced/Custom step. Doing this will help you notice additional downloads and opt out of their installation.
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An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
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Preparation Phase:
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.
Step 1: Uninstall ProtocolPort 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:
- 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 ProtocolPort 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:
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 2: Remove ProtocolPort – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Step 3: Scan for and remove ProtocolPort files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ProtocolPort, 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.
ProtocolPort FAQ
What is ProtocolPort on your Mac?
The ProtocolPort 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 siginficantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your Mac to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your MacOS.
Can my Mac get a virus?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get viruses. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that the following Apple devices can become infected with a virus:
- iMac
- Mac Mini
- Macbook Air
- Macbook Pro
- iPhone
- iPad
What are the symptoms of ProtocolPort on your Mac?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also most Mac threats in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your Mac may become slow and has poor performance in general.
Symtpom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Mac's Activity Monitor.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts reccomend that you check your Mac for viruses.
What types of Mac threats are there?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently infect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware and hijackers.
- Trojan horses and other spyware.
- Ransomware and screen-lockers.
- Cryptocurrency miner malware.
What to do if I have a Mac virus, like ProtocolPort?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One reccomended 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, tracking cookies and unwanted adware apps plus take care of them quickly. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to secure my passwords and other data from ProtocolPort?
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 website, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
