How to remove DataCharacter unwanted application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is DataCharacter?
Our team has discovered the DataCharacter application on a website designed to trick visitors into downloading and executing a deceptive installer. After testing the application, it was concluded that it functions as adware - the purpose of DataCharacter is to generate annoying advertisements.
DataCharacter adware in detail
While present, DataCharacter generates various advertisements. Those ads promote questionable websites (including various scams) and applications. It is important to mention that ads delivered by the adware can be designed to cause unwanted downloads/installations by running certain scripts. Either way, we advise against clicking on ads displayed by adware.
Another common problem with having adware installed is manipulated web browser settings. Certain apps (similar to DataCharacter) can change the settings of a web browser to promote some fake search engine - they can hijack web browsers. They do so by changing the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to another address.
| Name | Ads by DataCharacter |
| 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) |
| 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. |
More about adware
Adware distributed using questionable methods can be designed to collect browsing-related and even sensitive information. It is known that some apps like DataCharacter can read credit card details, passwords, and more. What is worse, gathered data can be misused for malicious purposes.
More adware examples are DynamicInterface, ExecutiveBrowser, CapacityMegabyte.
How did adware install on my computer?
A couple of the most popular ways to trick users into downloading or installing adware are deceptive ads (ads designed to run certain scripts) and downloaders/installers for other software. Either way, most users download or install adware unknowingly.
Downloaders and installers containing adware have "Custom", "Advanced", or other settings. Included apps get installed (or downloaded) alongside other software after finishing installations (or downloads) without changing those settings.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download applications and files from legitimate sources such as official pages and direct links. Using Peer-to-Peer networks, third-party downloaders, shady pages, and similar sources can lead to unexpected downloads and installations. Also, do not click on advertisements appearing on shady pages or allow such sites to show notifications.
Deselect unwanted applications before downloading and installing programs bundled with those apps (use the provided settings to deselect them). If your computer is already infected with DataCharacter, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that appears after the installation of DataCharacter adware:
DataCharacter's Contents 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 DataCharacter?
- STEP 1. Remove DataCharacter related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DataCharacter ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DataCharacter adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DataCharacter ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DataCharacter adware using Combo Cleaner:
DataCharacter adware removal:
Remove DataCharacter-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 slow down a computer and diminish the web browsing experience with its advertisements. Also, it can invade privacy (if used to gather various information).
What does adware do?
The main purpose of advertising-supported applications is to generate banners, coupons, pop-ups, or other ads. Sometimes, they can also hijack web browsers and collect data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of their revenue is generated through affiliate programs. They use adware to promote various websites, products, and (or) services.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DataCharacter adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate adware from it. It is worth mentioning that files belonging to adware may remain in the operating system after the manual removal. Thus, it is advisable to use specialized software like Combo Cleaner to get rid of adware.
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