Removal instructions for DigitalCommand adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
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 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.
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. |
Adware examples
OperationTool, MachineDesktop, 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:
DigitalCommand 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 DigitalCommand?
- STEP 1. Remove DigitalCommand related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DigitalCommand ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DigitalCommand adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DigitalCommand ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DigitalCommand adware using Combo Cleaner:
DigitalCommand adware removal:
Remove DigitalCommand-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 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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