Removal instructions for DockMode adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is DockMode?
DockMode is an adware-type application that our researchers discovered during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. We learned that this app belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
Our analysis revealed that this piece of software runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and may have browser-hijacking and data-tracking abilities.
DockMode adware overview
Advertising-supported software (adware) displays ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These advertisements push online scams, unreliable/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered through these ads are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It must be mentioned that adware may require certain conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc. However, regardless of whether DockMode delivers adverts or not - its presence endangers device and user safety.
DockMode may have browser hijacker qualities since they are standard for AdLoad advertising-supported software, although we did not observe any during testing.
Furthermore, DockMode likely collects private data. Adware usually gathers browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like DockMode on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DockMode |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27190), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), McAfee (RDN/Generic.osx), 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 samples; EditWave, RelianceTask, DailyPanel - are merely a few of our newest finds. Advertising-supported software typically looks legitimate and offers "useful" functions. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did DockMode install on my computer?
Adware is promoted on dubious download webpages and scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, webpages that use rogue advertising networks, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution. Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
"Bundling" - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements - is also used to proliferate adware. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the device.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official and verified sources. Installation must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
We recommend exercising caution when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements look ordinary and harmless, yet they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DockMode, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DockMode adware's installation is over:
DockMode 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 DockMode?
- STEP 1. Remove DockMode related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DockMode ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DockMode adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DockMode ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DockMode adware using Combo Cleaner:
DockMode adware removal:
Remove DockMode-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. This software is also considered a privacy threat since it typically has data tracking functionalities. Adware-displayed ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, advertising-supported software displays adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Additionally, some types can cause redirects and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware mainly generates revenue through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, etc. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DockMode adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay within the system. Furthermore, such components may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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