Removal instructions for DigitalEntry adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is DigitalEntry?
During a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered the DigitalEntry application. After investigating this piece of software, we learned that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. DigitalEntry operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns, and this app may have other harmful abilities as well.
DigitalEntry adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display third-party graphical content (i.e., advertisements) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
These adverts endorse various scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive ads are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that any genuine products/services encountered through these adverts are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions for the endorsement.
It is pertinent to mention that many adware-type apps belonging to the AdLoad family have browser hijacker functionalities. However, DigitalEntry did not exhibit such ability during testing.
What is more, this rogue application likely collects sensitive user information. Data of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like DigitalEntry devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by DigitalEntry |
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), 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
DivisionType, RecordConsole, and MainHandler are just a few examples of adware that we have analyzed recently. Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and harmless. It also offers a wide variety of useful functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not proof of its legitimacy or safety.
How did DigitalEntry install on my computer?
"Bundling" – pre-packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to proliferate adware. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Most users access these pages via redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is also distributed through intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so on.
Another recommendation is to approach browsing with care since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DigitalEntry, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DigitalEntry adware's installation is over:
DigitalEntry 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 DigitalEntry?
- STEP 1. Remove DigitalEntry related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DigitalEntry ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DigitalEntry adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DigitalEntry ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DigitalEntry adware using Combo Cleaner:
DigitalEntry adware removal:
Remove DigitalEntry-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 displays advertisements that push dangerous content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software is deemed to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of force-opening webpages and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, products, services, etc. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DigitalEntry adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) may remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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