How to remove DataHandler adware from the operating system

What is DataHandler?

DataHandler is an application categorized as adware. It delivers intrusive ad campaigns and also possesses browser hijacker characteristics. This app makes alterations to browser settings to promote a fake search engine: Safe Finder via akamaihd.net.

Additionally, most adware apps and browser hijackers monitor users' browsing habits. It is also likely that DataHandler has data tracking capabilities. Due to the dubious methods used to proliferate this adware, DataHandler is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).

DataHandler adware enables the placement of pop-ups, coupons, banners, surveys and other intrusive advertisements on any visited site. These ads significantly diminish the browsing experience, as they limit browsing speed and web page visibility.

Furthermore, when clicked, they can redirect to various untrusted/malicious websites and can even execute scripts designed to download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs) without users' permission. DataHandler shares common characteristics with browser hijackers.

This software operates by assigning the addresses of bogus search engines as the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs. The promoted web search tools typically cannot provide unique results, and so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) legitimate sites.

In the case of DataHandler, each new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar starts a redirection chain. An initial redirect is made to akamaihd.net, which redirects to Safe Finder, in turn redirecting to Yahoo (search.yahoo.com), a genuine search engine.

Since any changes users attempt to make to their browsers are automatically reset (if access is to the settings is allowed at all), it is necessary to remove the hijacker software to recover the browser. As mentioned, most unwanted apps (including adware and browser hijackers) can track data.

They can monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, etc.) and gather personal information (IP addresses, geolocations and other details).

The collected data is typically shared with third parties intent on misusing it for financial gain. In summary, the presence of PUAs on devices can lead to system infiltration/infections, serious privacy issues, financial loss and even identity theft. Therefore, remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by DataHandler
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

HelpFeature, InfoSearch, ExperienceLine and NationalSpecial are some examples of other adwares. They usually seem legitimate and entice users into download/installation with offers of "useful" features, however, these functions are rarely operational.

This applies to all PUAs. The only purpose of unwanted software is to generate profit for the developers; to users they have no real value and can lead to various problems instead. PUAs run intrusive advertisement campaigns, cause unwanted redirects, modify browsers and collect private data.

How did DataHandler install on my computer?

Some PUAs have "official" promotional pages from which they can be downloaded. PUAs also proliferate through the download/installation setups of other products. This deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".

Rushing download and installation processes (e.g. skipping steps and sections, using pre-set options, etc.) increases the risk of allowing bundled content onto the system. When clicked, intrusive ads can execute scripts to stealthily download/install PUAs.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

You are advised to research all software before download/installation or purchase. Use only official and verified download channels. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule, etc.) and other third party downloaders are untrusted and can offer likewise suspect content.

When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of supplementary apps, tools, features and other additions. Intrusive ads may seem normal and innocuous, however, they can redirect to highly dubious web pages (e.g. pornography, adult-dating, gambling and others).

If you experience advertisements/redirects of this type, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DataHandler, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once DataHandler installation is complete:

DataHandler redirecting users to the Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net:

DataHandler adware installation folder:

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT 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 Mac By 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 seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is DataHandler?
• STEP 1. Remove DataHandler related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove DataHandler ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove DataHandler adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove DataHandler ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove DataHandler adware using Combo Cleaner:

DataHandler adware removal:

Remove DataHandler-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.

Remove adware-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 exact 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 exact 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 correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure 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 the 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 its virus definition database and click the "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.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Remove malicious Safari extensions:

Open the 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 regular browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

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