Removal instructions for DigitalPaper adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is DigitalPaper?
Our researchers found the DigitalPaper application during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis of this app revealed that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware) and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
DigitalPaper adware overview
Adware enables the placement of various advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. These ads promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful websites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software - once clicked on.
Note that while legitimate products can be encountered through adware, they are highly unlikely to be promoted by their developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to be met (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific sites, etc.) in order to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. However, regardless of whether DigitalPaper (or other adware) delivers adverts or not - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Furthermore, DigitalPaper may have browser hijacker functionalities since they are common for AdLoad adware, although it did not exhibit any during our analysis.
What is more, DigitalPaper has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software typically targets browsing-related data, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, banking/financial information, and so forth. The collected data is monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like DigitalPaper on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
Name | Ads by DigitalPaper |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.26624), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy.a), 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-type apps; MajorSector, VastVista, and IntegerLocator are just a couple examples of our newest finds.
This software usually looks legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of "handy" and "advantageous" features. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did DigitalPaper install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, etc.) - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well. Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware is endorsed through questionable webpages and scam sites. Most users enter these websites via redirects caused by pages that use rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official and verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing - as illegitimate and malicious content tends to look harmless. For example, intrusive ads appear legitimate yet redirect to unreliable/dubious websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with advertisements/redirects of this type, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DigitalPaper, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DigitalPaper adware's installation is over:
DigitalPaper 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
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Quick menu:
- What is DigitalPaper?
- STEP 1. Remove DigitalPaper related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DigitalPaper ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DigitalPaper adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DigitalPaper ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DigitalPaper adware using Combo Cleaner:
DigitalPaper adware removal:
Remove DigitalPaper-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It typically has data tracking abilities, which make it a threat to user privacy. What is more, adware-displayed adverts can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software displays various ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open sites and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate most of their profit through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DigitalPaper adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware itself has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, this leftover content can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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