Removing DigitGuild adware and the advertisements it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is DigitGuild?
Our research team discovered the DigitGuild application while looking through new submissions to VirusTotal. We obtained a sample of DigitGuild and installed it onto a test system. Our analysis of this app revealed that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware) that belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
DigitGuild adware overview
Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software might not deliver adverts if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., browser/system or user geolocation are incompatible, visits to specific sites are not made, etc.). However, regardless of whether DigitGuild runs intrusive advertisement campaigns - its presence endangers device/user safety.
Adware-delivered ads push online scams, unreliable/harmful websites and apps, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software - when clicked on.
It is pertinent to mention that the legitimate content encountered through these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers abusing its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, DigitGuild may have browser hijacker qualities, as these abilities are often part of AdLoad adware. However, this application did not exhibit any during testing.
What is more, DigitGuild likely has data tracking functionalities. Advertising-supported software usually collects browsing-related data, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial/banking information, etc. The gathered data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
Therefore, the presence of software like DigitGuild on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DigitGuild |
| 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-type applications; PanelCharge, SpaceEnergy, and StepWarrior are merely a few examples. This software typically looks legitimate and offers "handy" functions. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did DigitGuild install on my computer?
Adware is promoted on questionable download pages and scam websites. Users mainly access these webpages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive advertisements, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in advertising-supported software proliferation as well. Additionally, intrusive adverts are used to spread adware. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
This software can also be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software products and downloading only from official and verified channels. Another recommendation is to be careful when installing, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
We advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., pornography, adult-dating, gambling, etc.).
If you experience such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DigitGuild, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DigitGuild adware's installation is over:
DigitGuild 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 DigitGuild?
- STEP 1. Remove DigitGuild related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DigitGuild ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DigitGuild adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DigitGuild ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DigitGuild adware using Combo Cleaner:
DigitGuild adware removal:
Remove DigitGuild-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. It is also considered to be a privacy threat since this software typically has data tracking abilities. Furthermore, adware-delivered adverts can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on visited sites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of causing redirects or collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, and so forth. For example, the developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DigitGuild adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating installed adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. Since despite the adware being (manually) removed - various remnants (files) can stay within the system. This remaining content might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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