How to remove DigitalAdmin adware and the advertisements it displays

What kind of application is DigitalAdmin?

While checking out new file submissions to the VirusTotal site, we discovered the DigitalAdmin adware. This application is part of the AdLoad malware family. DigitalAdmin is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and potentially malicious advertisements.

DigitalAdmin adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) endorses online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some of the adverts can even execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Note that while legitimate content may be encountered through these advertisements – it is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers. It is most likely that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Specific conditions may be required for adware to run intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether DigitalAdmin displays ads – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.

AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities – however, DigitalAdmin did not exhibit these traits during testing.

Additionally, the DigitalAdmin app likely has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, advertising-supported software like DigitalAdmin on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by DigitalAdmin
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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

DetectionElemnt, ElementAnalyzer, WebSearchHelp, TechnologyPersonal, and VirtualSupplies are merely some examples of adware-type apps we have investigated recently.

This software usually appears legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into downloading/installing this software by promises of various "handy" features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did DigitalAdmin install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of inadvertently permitting access for bundled content into devices is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation by processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Adware can also have "official" download webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects generated by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements as well. Some of these ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible 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 dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless yet redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

DigitalAdmin 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 DigitalAdmin?
• STEP 1. Remove DigitalAdmin related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove DigitalAdmin ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove DigitalAdmin adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove DigitalAdmin ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove DigitalAdmin adware using Combo Cleaner:

DigitalAdmin adware removal:

Remove DigitalAdmin-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 experience and system performance. It delivers ads that endorse content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, advertising-supported software is categorized as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware generates revenue for its developers by running intrusive ad campaigns. This software enables the placement of advertisements on various interfaces. Some adware types can also force-open webpages and gather private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit mainly via affiliate programs by endorsing websites, products, applications, browser extensions, services, and so on.

Will Combo Cleaner remove DigitalAdmin adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.

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