FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

How to eliminate DigitalProgram adware and the ads it displays

Also Known As: Ads by DigitalProgram
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

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

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.

Threat Summary:
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.
▼ 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.

Adware examples

GlobalProcesserOptionPreviewOffersPrimary, 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:

Pop-up displayed once DigitalProgram installation is complete

DigitalProgram adware's installation folder:

DigitalProgram adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove DigitalProgram adware using Combo Cleaner:

DigitalProgram adware removal:

Remove DigitalProgram-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac browser hijacker removal from 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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

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

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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

About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by DigitalProgram QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by DigitalProgram on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Mac malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner for Mac

Platform: macOS

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.