How to eliminate DefaultImprovment adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is DefaultImprovment?
While inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered the DefaultImprovment application. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is an adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
DefaultImprovment adware overview
It is noteworthy that adware may need the browser/system or user geolocation to be compatible, visits to particular websites, or other specifications - to display advertisements. However, regardless of whether DefaultImprovment (or other adware) runs intrusive advert campaigns or not - its presence endangers device integrity and user safety.
The ads displayed by advertising-supported software primarily promote untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, online scams (e.g., fake virus warnings, outdated software alerts, lotteries, etc.), and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can download/install software without user consent - once clicked.
It is improbable for adware to be used by reputable developers, yet their products can be encountered through these adverts. This promotion is usually undertaken by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to fraudulently acquire commissions.
What is more, DefaultImprovment may have browser hijacker functionalities since they are common for AdLoad adware; however, we did not observe any during testing.
This app may also have data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software typically gathers browsing data, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, financial/banking information, and so forth. The collected data is monetized through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like DefaultImprovment on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DefaultImprovment |
| 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.h), 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
We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; CommonBrowser, ColossusAspect, ZipArrow, and ComputingInteractive are a few of the latest. This software appears harmless and offers "useful" features. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did DefaultImprovment install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing technique - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in adware distribution. Additionally, once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can stealthily download/install unwanted software (adware included).
Advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional/download pages. Most users enter such sites via redirects caused by others that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and only downloading from official/trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
It is just as important to exercise caution when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content tends to look harmless. For example, intrusive adverts appear innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
f you experience such ads/redirects, inspect your device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DefaultImprovment, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DefaultImprovment adware's installation is over:
DefaultImprovment 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 DefaultImprovment?
- STEP 1. Remove DefaultImprovment related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DefaultImprovment ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DefaultImprovment adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DefaultImprovment ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DefaultImprovment adware using Combo Cleaner:
DefaultImprovment adware removal:
Remove DefaultImprovment-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 browsing experience and system performance. This software usually has data tracking functionalities, which make it a threat to user privacy. Additionally, adware-delivered advertisements can be deceptive/malicious and cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
The primary functionality of adware is displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. It may also force-open webpages and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers mainly profit through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, and so on. Commission might be earned from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DefaultImprovment adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, although the software itself has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay within the system. Furthermore, such components can continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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