How to remove VideoDefault adware and the advertisements it displays

What kind of application is VideoDefault?

While checking out new file submissions to VirusTotal, our researchers discovered VideoDefault. After inspecting this app, we learned that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. This piece of software is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and deceptive ads.

VideoDefault adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, banners, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces

It is pertinent to mention that adware might not run intrusive ad campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether VideoDefault displays adverts – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety.

Adware-delivered adverts primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. Some of these advertisements can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

It is noteworthy that while legitimate products or services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Additionally, browser-hijacking functionalities are common for AdLoad applications. However, we did not observe these traits while analyzing VideoDefault.

Adware usually gathers private information, and data tracking might be among VideoDefault's abilities. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The collected information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like VideoDefault on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by VideoDefault
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchpro), 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

We have examined numerous adware-type applications; NavigateEngine, LogManager, AnalyzerTemplate, LocalModule, ObjectBase – are just some examples.

Software within this classification typically appears ordinary and harmless. It can also offer a wide variety of functionalities, which are rarely operational. However, it must be stressed that functional features do not guarantee a software's legitimacy or safety.

How did VideoDefault install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using "bundling" – this technique involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions.

The risk of allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users primarily access these webpages via redirects generated by misspelled URLs, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Intrusive adverts proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, exploring available options, and using the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, etc.).

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look legitimate and harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove VideoDefault adware using Combo Cleaner:

VideoDefault adware removal:

Remove VideoDefault-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 adverts that can promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, software within this classification is considered to be a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can also generate redirects and collect sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove VideoDefault adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate adware-type apps installed. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, various file leftovers stay hidden within the system after the software has been manually removed. The remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thoroughness is essential in adware removal.

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