How to remove Docallisec adware from operating systems
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Docallisec?
Docallisec is an adware-type application with browser hijacker traits. Following installation, it runs intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e. delivers various unwanted ads), makes alterations to browser settings and promotes fake search engines. Most adware and browser hijackers have data tracking capabilities, and it is highly likely that Docallisec has these as well.
Due to the dubious methods used to spread this app, it is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). One of the distribution techniques used for Docallisec is proliferation via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. Rogue software updaters/installers proliferate not just PUAs but also Trojans, ransomware and other malware.
Adware enables the placement of pop-ups, surveys, banners and other intrusive advertisements, typically, on any visited website. These ads diminish the browsing experience, since they overlay web page content and reduce browsing speed.
Additionally, once intrusive ads are clicked, they can redirect to dubious/malicious sites and some can even download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs). Browser hijackers assign the addresses of fake search engines as the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs.
Therefore, each new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar redirects to the promoted address. Rogue search engines are seldom able to provide unique results, and so they redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google and other genuine web-search tools/services.
Browser hijackers can also restrict/deny access to the browser settings and/or reassign any permitted changes made. As mentioned, unwanted software commonly has data tracking capabilities.
It can often monitor browsing activity (visited URLs, viewed pages, typed search queries, etc.) and gather personal information derived from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). This sensitive data is shared with and/or sold to third parties.
Therefore, the presence of PUAs on devices can result in system infections, financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft. To protect device integrity and user safety, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated without delay.
Name | Ads by Docallisec |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus. |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), BitDefender (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.5), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.A), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.k), Full List (VirusTotal). |
Additional Information | This application belongs to the 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. |
SectionBrowser, SearchWebPortal, ExtendedTool, and SearchMainInfo are some examples of other adware-type apps. They may seem legitimate and useful, but despite how good the advertised functionality may sound, these features are usually nonoperational.
This applies to most PUAs. The only purpose of this unwanted software is to generate revenue for the developers. PUAs deliver intrusive ad campaigns, modify browsers, cause redirects and collect private information.
How did Docallisec install on my computer?
PUAs are often downloaded/installed with other software. "Bundling" is the term used to define this deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing regular products with unwanted or malicious additions. By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g. skipping steps and sections, etc.), many users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content into their devices.
Certain PUAs have "official" download web pages. Intrusive ads proliferate these applications as well. When clicked, they can execute scripts to stealthily download/install PUAs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
You are strongly advised to research all products prior to download/installation and/or purchase. Use only official and verified download channels. Untrusted sources such as unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders can offer dubious and/or bundled content.
When downloading/installing, you are advised to read the terms, explore all possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings and opt-out of supplementary apps, tools, features, etc. Intrusive advertisements may seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to various dubious pages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so on).
If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect all devices and immediately remove any suspect software found. If your computer is already infected with Docallisec, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to Docallisec adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.Docallisec/Docallisec
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.DocallisecDaemon/Docallisec
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.Docallisec.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.DocallisecDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote Docallisec adware are designed to create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:
1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar and select "Profiles".
2) Select the "Docallisec" profile and delete it.
3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.
After performing these actions, you can proceed with further removal steps for this adware.
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 Docallisec?
- STEP 1. Remove Docallisec related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Docallisec ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Docallisec adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Docallisec ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Docallisec adware removal:
Remove Docallisec-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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