How to remove DominantInfo adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is DominantInfo?
Our research team discovered the DominantInfo application while investigating new submissions to VirusTotal. Our inspection of this app revealed that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. Hence, DominantInfo delivers intrusive ad campaigns and may have additional harmful abilities.
DominantInfo adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., display ads on various interfaces. These adverts endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can even perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that any genuine content encountered through these ads is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to run intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if DominantInfo does not display ads – its presence endangers device/user safety regardless.
Furthermore, this rogue application might have browser-hijacking qualities since they are common to AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any such traits during our analysis.
What is more, DominantInfo likely collects private information. Data of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like DominantInfo on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DominantInfo |
| 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
DigitalEntry, DivisionType, RecordConsole, MainHandler, and BinaryOptimizer are just some examples of adware we have inspected recently.
Software within this category usually appears legitimate. Users are enticed into downloading/installing it with a broad range of "handy" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these features are rarely operational. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did DominantInfo install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system increases due to downloading from dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software before downloading/installing or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. It is essential to treat installation with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep encountering such ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DominantInfo, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DominantInfo adware's installation is over:
DominantInfo 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 DominantInfo?
- STEP 1. Remove DominantInfo related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DominantInfo ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DominantInfo adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DominantInfo ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DominantInfo adware using Combo Cleaner:
DominantInfo adware removal:
Remove DominantInfo-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. It displays advertisements that promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software is also considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it typically has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware operates by displaying ads on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. Additionally, it may be capable of causing redirects and gathering vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DominantInfo adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, adware must be eliminated thoroughly.
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