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Removal instructions for DigitalCommand adware

Also Known As: Ads by DigitalCommand
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is DigitalCommand?

We discovered the DigitalCommand application while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. It operates by running intrusive ad campaigns, and due to this behavior – the app is categorized as adware. DigitalCommand also belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

DigitalCommand adware

DigitalCommand adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces. The adverts primarily promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Note that any genuine content encountered through these ads is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software may need certain conditions to deliver intrusive ad campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc. Regardless of whether DigitalCommand displays adverts – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

AdLoad apps often have browser hijacker functionalities, and this might apply to DigitalCommand. However, the app did not exhibit any such abilities during testing.

Furthermore, DigitalCommand likely gathers sensitive information. Targeted data may include: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of software like DigitalCommand on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by DigitalCommand
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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
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.

Adware examples

OperationToolMachineDesktop, LauncherIndex, and PrimaryBuffer are just a few examples of adware-type apps we have investigated recently.

Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of useful and advantageous features. However, the functions tend to be fake and nonoperational. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did DigitalCommand install on my computer?

The bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to distribute adware. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by approaching installation processes with negligence (e.g., reading terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" setting, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements are used to proliferate adware as well. Some of the adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Additionally, advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on deceptive/scam sites. Users typically access these pages via redirects generated by websites that employ rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software prior to download or purchase. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, features, etc.).

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

If you keep encountering such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DigitalCommand, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once DigitalCommand adware's installation is over:

Pop-up displayed once DigitalCommand installation is complete

DigitalCommand adware's installation folder:

DigitalCommand adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove DigitalCommand adware using Combo Cleaner:

DigitalCommand adware removal:

Remove DigitalCommand-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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 advertisements that endorse deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues like system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc. Furthermore, adware typically has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is classified as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of adverts on various interfaces. Additionally, advertising-supported software is capable of generating redirects and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner remove DigitalCommand adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants can stay hidden within the system. The remaining components can continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is crucial to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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