Removing the DesignPaper adware and its advertisements
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is DesignPaper?
DesignPaper is a piece of rogue software that our research team found while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this app, we determined that it is adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
DesignPaper adware overview
Adware is designed to display adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces. These ads can seriously diminish the browsing experience by decreasing browsing speed and overlaying webpage content.
Additionally, the advertisements promote online scams, dubious/harmful sites and software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can make downloads/installations without user permission.
Note that any legitimate products promoted through adware are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software may require specific conditions (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular websites, etc.) to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. However, regardless of whether DesignPaper (or other adware) delivers ads - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Furthermore, DesignPaper may have browser hijacker traits as they are common for AdLoad adware, although it did not exhibit any during our analysis.
What is more, this application likely has data tracking functionalities. Adware typically gathers browsing-related data, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, financial/banking information, and so forth. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like DesignPaper on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DesignPaper |
| 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.Searchpr), 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; DevelopEfficient, DigitalPaper, and VastVista are just a couple of examples. This software looks legitimate and offers a wide variety of functionalities. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they are nonfunctional.
How did DesignPaper install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling method - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the system.
Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution. Intrusive advertisements are used to spread advertising-supported software as well. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most users enter such pages via redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and only downloading from official/verified sources. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements look legitimate/innocuous yet redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
If you experience adverts/redirects of this type, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DesignPaper, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DesignPaper adware's installation is over:
DesignPaper 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 DesignPaper?
- STEP 1. Remove DesignPaper related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DesignPaper ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DesignPaper adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DesignPaper ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DesignPaper adware using Combo Cleaner:
DesignPaper adware removal:
Remove DesignPaper-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 endangers device and user safety. It can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software usually has data tracking functionalities, which make it a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-delivered advertisements endorse deceptive/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, advertising-supported software displays ads on visited sites and/or different interfaces. It may also be capable of force-opening webpages and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs in the form of commissions earned from the promotion of various websites, software, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DesignPaper adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. Since even after the adware itself has been (manually) removed - various components (files) can remain in the system. Furthermore, these leftovers can continue running and causing problems. Therefore, adware must be eliminated thoroughly.
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