How to remove DivisionType adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is DivisionType?
Our research team discovered the DivisionType application during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this app, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. Meaning that DivisionType operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., displaying ads.
DivisionType adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of adverts on visited webpages and/or other interfaces.
These advertisements promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It must be mentioned that while legitimate products/services can be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Additionally, AdLoad adware often has browser hijacker abilities; however, we did not observe any such traits during testing.
Furthermore, DivisionType may have data-tracking functionalities. Advertising-supported software usually collects the following information: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be monetized by being sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like DivisionType on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DivisionType |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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), 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 inspected countless adware samples; MainHandler, BinaryOptimizer, LauncherProgress – are merely a couple of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate/ordinary and offers various features. However, these functionalities are usually nonoperational. It must be stressed that even if an application works as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did DivisionType install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Users typically enter such pages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified channels. It is essential to approach installation with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep experiencing ads/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DivisionType, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DivisionType adware's installation is over:
DivisionType 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 DivisionType?
- STEP 1. Remove DivisionType related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DivisionType ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DivisionType adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DivisionType ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DivisionType adware using Combo Cleaner:
DivisionType adware removal:
Remove DivisionType-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?
The presence of adware on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software displays ads that endorse deceptive/malicious content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, it is considered to be a privacy threat since adware usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces, and some types can also cause redirects and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DivisionType adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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