Remove LeadingProtocol Adware From Mac

LeadingProtocol: Simple Delete Process

LeadingProtocol is a type of potentially unwanted program that redirects Mac users to websites full of ads in order to generate revenue for its developers. Apps like this are categorized as browser hijackers as well as adware because they take over the browser and interfere with its settings, and even display intrusive ads while web surfing. You may have noticed that your homepage and default search engine of your browser have been changed. And the worst part is that you won’t be able to uninstall these changes no matter how much you try. That can only be done after performing LeadingProtocol removal from the Mac.

LeadingProtocol Shows Numerous Annoying Ads:

LeadingProtocol has ability to integrate with most popular web browsers including Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and others. It can generate a large amounts of online advertisements while surf the web. In fact, the first thing victims notice when contaminated by such PUPs is the unusual quantity of banners, pop-ups and other kinds of ads in their browsers. It is also not uncommon for such apps to reroute your searches to multiple sponsored sites, which too, can be rather irritating. And all of this is done in the name of creating income for the developers.

Typically, LeadingProtocol generates revenue through Pay Per Click and Pay Per View remuneration tactics. Thus, the advertising campaigns of such PUPs tend be quite aggressive. Clearly, this browser-based intruder is a type of promotional tool used to endorse certain products, services, websites, etc. Nevertheless, users often confuse this adware with viruses and malware. The good news is that a browser hijacker like this cannot harm your PC in any way unlike Trojans, ransomware and other actual viruses.

The nastiest you can expect from LeadingProtocol or other similar parasites is a potential system slowdown due to the regular background activity that takes enormous amount of your system’s resources. Another thing to look forward to when dealing with such software pieces are the ads generated by them. You really don’t want to be interacted with annoying commercial materials all the time as you risk being exposed to hazardous webpages and potentially bringing an infection of some sort. So, stay away from these adverts and try to remove LeadingProtocol from the Mac immediately. If not, it may lead to many other unkind dilemmas such as severe privacy issues, monetary losses, and even identity theft.

Ways To Spread Unwanted Apps:

Potentially unwanted applications are called so due to their sneaky installation methods. People generally install adware without realizing that their browsers will be served with continuous ads, or that the app’s removal will be difficult. Nonetheless, most of the PUPs enter computer together with freeware from third-party sites. This occurs due to rushed installation process (e.g., ignoring terms, choosing pre-set options, etc.)

In order to undesired programs from intruding your machine without your knowledge, you should never rush the installation procedure. Always pay close attention to the installation instructions, check for the vital documents (ToS, Privacy Policy), turn down all deals or offers, and always pick the Advanced/Custom settings instead of Recommended/Quick method. Besides, you should have an anti-malware software installed on your work-station that could notify you in some cases when you are installing an unsafe app. But now, remove LeadingProtocol if it has already made its way into the system.

Remove Files and Folders Related to LeadingProtocol

Open the “Menu” bar and click the “Finder” icon. Select “Go” and click on “Go to Folder…”

Step 1: Search the suspicious and doubtful malware generated files in /Library/LaunchAgents folder

Type /Library/LaunchAgents in the “Go to Folder” option

In the “Launch Agent” folder, search for all the files that you have recently downloaded and move them to “Trash”. Few of the examples of files created by browser-hijacker or adware are as follow, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.Itvbit.plist”, installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, and “kuklorest.update.plist” and so on.

Step 2: Detect and remove the files generated by the adware in “/Library/Application” Support folder

In the “Go to Folder..bar”, type “/Library/Application Support”

Search for any suspicious newly added folders in “Application Support” folder. If you detect any one of these like “NicePlayer” or “MPlayerX” then send them to “Trash” folder.

Step 3: Look for the files generated by malware in /Library/LaunchAgent Folder:

Go to Folder bar and type /Library/LaunchAgents

You are in the “LaunchAgents” folder. Here, you have to search for all the newly added files and move them to “Trash” if you find them suspicious. Some of the examples of suspicious files generated by malware are “myppes.download.plist”, “installmac.AppRemoved.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist” and so on.

Step4: Go to /Library/LaunchDaemons Folder and search for the files created by malware

Type /Library/LaunchDaemons in the “Go To Folder” option

In the newly opened “LaunchDaemons” folder, search for any recently added suspicious files and move them to “Trash”. Examples of some of the suspicious files are “com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preference.plist”, “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist” and so on.

Step 5: Use Combo Cleaner Anti-Malware and Scan your Mac PC

The malware infections could be removed from the Mac PC if you execute all the steps mentioned above in the correct way. However, it is always advised to be sure that your PC is not infected. It is suggested to scan the work-station with “Combo Cleaner Anti-virus”.

Once the file gets downloaded, double click on combocleaner.dmg installer in the newly opened window. Next is to open the “Launchpad” and press on “Combo Cleaner” icon. It is advised to wait until “Combo Cleaner” updates the latest definition for malware detection. Click on “Start Combo Scan” button.

A depth scan of your Mac PC will be executed in order to detect malware. If the Anti-virus scan report says “no threat found” then you can continue with guide further. On the other hand, it is recommended to delete the detected malware infection before continuing.

Now the files and folders created by the adware is removed, you have to remove the rogue extensions from the browsers.

Remove LeadingProtocol from Internet Browsers

Delete Doubtful and Malicious Extension from Safari

Go to “Menu Bar” and open “Safari” browser. Select “Safari” and then “Preferences”

In the opened “preferences” window, select “Extensions” that you have recently installed. All such extensions should be detected and click the “Uninstall” button next to it. If you are doubtful then you can remove all the extensions from “Safari” browser as none of them are important for smooth functionality of the browser.

In case if you continue facing unwanted webpage redirections or aggressive advertisements bombarding, you can reset the “Safari” browser.

“Reset Safari”

Open the Safari menu and choose “preferences…” from the drop-down menu.

Go to the “Extension” tab and set the extension slider to “Off” position. This disables all the installed extensions in the Safari browser

Next step is to check the homepage. Go to “Preferences…” option and choose “General” tab. Change the homepage to your preferred URL.

Also check the default search-engine provider settings. Go to “Preferences…” window and select the “Search” tab and select the search-engine provider that you want such as “Google”.

Next is to clear the Safari browser Cache- Go to “Preferences…” window and select “Advanced” tab and click on “Show develop menu in the menu bar.“

Go to “Develop” menu and select “Empty Caches”.

Remove website data and browsing history. Go to “Safari” menu and select “Clear History and Website Data”. Choose “all history” and then click on “Clear History”.

Remove Unwanted and Malicious Plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox

Delete LeadingProtocol add-ons from Mozilla Firefox

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser. Click on the “Open Menu” present in the top right corner of the screen. From the newly opened menu, choose “Add-ons”.

Go to “Extension” option and detect all the latest installed add-ons. Select each of the suspicious add-ons and click on “Remove” button next to them.

In case if you want to “reset” the Mozilla Firefox browser then follow the steps that has been mentioned below.

Reset Mozilla Firefox Settings

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser and click on “Firefox” button situated at the top left corner of the screen.

In the new menu, go to “Help” sub-menu and choose “Troubleshooting Information”

In the “Troubleshooting Information” page, click on “Reset Firefox” button.

Confirm that you want to reset the Mozilla Firefox settings to default by pressing on “Reset Firefox” option

The browser will get restarted and the settings changes to factory default

Delete Unwanted and Malicious Extensions from Google Chrome

Open the chrome browser and click on “Chrome menu”. From the drop down option, choose “More Tools” and then “Extensions”.

In the “Extensions” option, search for all the recently installed add-ons and extensions. Select them and choose “Trash” button. Any third-party extension is not important for the smooth functionality of the browser.

Reset Google Chrome Settings

Open the browser and click on three line bar at the top right side corner of the window.

Go to the bottom of the newly opened window and select “Show advanced settings”.

In the newly opened window, scroll down to the bottom and choose “Reset browser settings”

Click on the “Reset” button on the opened “Reset browser settings” window

Restart the browser and the changes you get will be applied

The above mentioned manual process should be executed as it is mentioned. It is a cumbersome process and requires a lot of technical expertise. And hence it is advised for technical experts only. To be sure that your PC is free from malware, it is better that you scan the work-station with a powerful anti-malware tool. The automatic malware removal application is preferred because it doesn’t requires any additional technical skills and expertise.

Download the application and execute it on the PC to begin the depth scanning. Once the scanning gets completed, it shows the list of all the files related to LeadingProtocol. You can select such harmful files and folders and remove them immediately.