How to eliminate DigitalProgram adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is DigitalProgram?
Our researchers have found yet another adware-type application called DigitalProgram. We have concluded that this piece of software operates as adware.
It also belongs to the AdLoad malware family. We have researched many samples from said group, and while during our testing - we did not observe DigitalProgram exhibiting browser hijacker traits - they are common for AdLoad adware. Another potential ability of these applications is data tracking.
DigitalProgram adware overview
From our extensive research into adware, we can summarize its behavior thusly - this software enables the placement of third-party graphical content on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Adware can display various pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, and other intrusive ads. DigitalProgram operated on our testing machines in this manner as well.
The advertisements this app delivered were misleading, deceptive, and even dangerous. This is common for adware, as their advertisements typically promote various sale-based, untrustworthy, scam, and malicious websites. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts are capable of stealthily downloading/installing software - upon being clicked.
Many of our analyzed AdLoad adware-type apps possessed data tracking functionalities. Hence, it is not unlikely for DigitalProgram to have them. To expound upon such abilities, in our experience, adware targets browsing activity, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, and finance-related information.
Adware developers are known to monetize the collected data by sharing it with and/or selling it to third-parties. Therefore, the presence of software like DigitalProgram on devices - can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by DigitalProgram |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), Full List (VirusTotal) |
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. |
Adware examples
GlobalProcesser, OptionPreview, OffersPrimary, and EdgePremium are some examples of other adware we have tested, which bears similarities to DigitalProgram. In general terms, applications within this classification are prone to look legitimate and offer "useful" features (particularly in any promotional material). However, such claims are practically always untrue.
How did DigitalProgram install on my computer?
We detected DigitalProgram when inspecting "crack" websites. The site in question promoted a fake Flash Player updater, which eventually downloaded and installed this adware onto our test system.
However, adware is proliferated in various ways, and its sources are seldom singular. Popular distribution methods include software "bundling" (packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions), promotion on or stealthy installation (when clicked) by intrusive advertisements, "official" download webpages, and scam sites.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - often offer harmful content. Our researchers also advise users to exercise caution during installation, e.g., reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out out of all additions.
It is just as important to exercise caution when browsing. Dubious sites and intrusive adverts can appear legitimate - however, they redirect to questionable webpages (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If ads/redirects of this kind are encountered, the system must be inspected and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed. If your computer is already infected with DigitalProgram, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DigitalProgram adware's installation is over:
DigitalProgram adware's 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 DigitalProgram?
- STEP 1. Remove DigitalProgram related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DigitalProgram ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DigitalProgram adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DigitalProgram ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DigitalProgram adware using Combo Cleaner:
DigitalProgram adware removal:
Remove DigitalProgram-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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can diminish system performance and browsing quality. We have not confirmed whether DigitalProgram tracks data, but in our experience - such functionalities are typical for adware. Therefore, this software is considered a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-delivered ads can be questionable/malicious and cause other serious problems.
What does adware do?
Advertising-supported software or adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, it displays various adverts on visited sites and/or different interfaces.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware usually generates revenue through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, products, services, and so on. The developers can earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DigitalProgram adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It must be mentioned that manual removal is not the perfect solution in all cases. Sometimes, even if the software itself is eliminated - leftover content (files) might remain within the system. What is more, such remnants can continue running and causing issues.
▼ Show Discussion