How to eliminate the DetectionElemnt adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is DetectionElemnt?
Our research team discovered the DetectionElemnt application while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
DetectionElemnt adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software can enable the placement of ads on various interfaces.
The advertisements promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of these adverts are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that while legitimate content may be encountered via these ads – it is highly unlikely to be endorsed by its actual developers. Instead, it is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may need specific conditions to run intrusive advert campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular webpages, etc. However, regardless of whether DetectionElemnt displays advertisements – the app remains a threat.
While AdLoad applications commonly have browser hijacker qualities, DetectionElemnt did not exhibit these traits during testing.
Furthermore, this rogue application likely has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, Internet cookies, 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 DetectionElemnt on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DetectionElemnt |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Fortinet (Adware/Synataeb!OSX), 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 examined countless adware-type apps; ElementAnalyzer, WebSearchHelp, VirtualSupplies – are merely a couple of examples.
Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers "useful" features. However, the functionalities are typically fake and nonoperational – their goal is to lure users into downloading/installing the adware. It must be stressed that functional features do not guarantee a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did DetectionElemnt install on my computer?
The "bundling" marketing tactic – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is often used to distribute adware.
Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users primarily access these webpages via redirects generated by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts might look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DetectionElemnt, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DetectionElemnt adware's installation is over:
DetectionElemnt 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 DetectionElemnt?
- STEP 1. Remove DetectionElemnt related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DetectionElemnt ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DetectionElemnt adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DetectionElemnt ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DetectionElemnt adware using Combo Cleaner:
DetectionElemnt adware removal:
Remove DetectionElemnt-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 displays ads that endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). It decreases browsing quality and system performance. This software usually has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It delivers intrusive ad campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DetectionElemnt adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, the components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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