How to remove DigitalInitiator adware and the advertisements it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is DigitalInitiator?
During a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered the DigitalInitiator rogue application. Our analysis of this app revealed that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware) and is part of the AdLoad malware family.
DigitalInitiator adware overview
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. It operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
Note that advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (i.e., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, whether DigitalInitiator displays ads is irrelevant, as its presence on a system endangers device/user safety regardless.
Adware-displayed adverts endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous webpages and software, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements are capable of making stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate products encountered via these ads are unlikely to be promoted by their developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, DigitalInitiator may have browser hijacker functionalities since they are typical for AdLoad adware; however, we did not observe any during testing.
What is more, DigitalInitiator likely has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software typically collects browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like DigitalInitiator on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DigitalInitiator |
| 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. |
Adware examples
LogLibrary, FrequencyPlatform, and ProcesserGrid are just some examples of the adware-type applications that we have analyzed. These apps usually appear legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of "handy" features. However, these functionalities are rarely operational.
How did DigitalInitiator install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well.
Additionally, intrusive ads are used to spread advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
Adware is also promoted through dubious download pages and scam websites. Most users access such webpages via sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend downloading only from official and verified sources. It is just as important to exercise caution with installation processes, e.g., by reading terns, studying available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" setting, and opting-out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive ads look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience such adverts and/or redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DigitalInitiator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DigitalInitiator adware's installation is over:
DigitalInitiator 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:
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Quick menu:
- What is DigitalInitiator?
- STEP 1. Remove DigitalInitiator related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DigitalInitiator ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DigitalInitiator adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DigitalInitiator ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DigitalInitiator adware using Combo Cleaner:
DigitalInitiator adware removal:
Remove DigitalInitiator-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 the browsing experience and system performance. This software typically has data tracking functionalities, which make it a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-displayed advertisements promote dangerous content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate most of their profit through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DigitalInitiator adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some instances, despite the advertising-supported software being (manually) removed - various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants can continue running and causing problems. Hence, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.
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