How to eliminate the DigitalSphere adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is DigitalSphere?
Our research team discovered the DigitalSphere application while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this piece of software, we learned that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
DigitalSphere adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of intrusive advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, banners, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces.
These ads endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products and services may be encountered through adware-delivered advertisements – they are highly unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). Regardless of whether DigitalSphere displays ads – its presence endangers device integrity and user privacy.
AdLoad apps often have browser-hijacking traits. However, we did not observe these qualities while testing DigitalSphere.
This rogue application likely has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like DigitalSphere can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DigitalSphere |
| 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
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type apps; LaneAnnual, CycleGraph, SolutionsApproach, and RootCompact are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers various useful functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Note that even if a piece of software operates as advertised – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did DigitalSphere install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users primarily access such webpages through redirects caused by sites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to proliferate adware.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and approaching installation processes with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful when browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look ordinary/harmless – yet they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DigitalSphere, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DigitalSphere adware's installation is over:
DigitalSphere 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 DigitalSphere?
- STEP 1. Remove DigitalSphere related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DigitalSphere ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DigitalSphere adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DigitalSphere ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DigitalSphere adware using Combo Cleaner:
DigitalSphere adware removal:
Remove DigitalSphere-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 delivers ads that endorse deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, advertising-supported software is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive ad campaigns. This software displays advertisements on various interfaces and may also force-open websites and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, apps, browser extensions, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DigitalSphere adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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