How to remove DefaultProgram adware and the adverts it displays

What kind of application is DefaultProgram?

Our researchers discovered the DefaultProgram application while investigating new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. This piece of software runs intrusive advertisement campaigns. Due to this behavior, DefaultProgram is classed as adware. This app is part of the AdLoad malware family.

DefaultProgram adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, surveys, etc.) primarily endorses online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

It is noteworthy that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Adware may need certain conditions to deliver intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc.). Yet even if DefaultProgram does not display advertisements – its presence on a system threatens device/user safety.

Browser-hijacking functionalities are common for AdLoad apps – however, we did not observe these capabilities while testing DefaultProgram.

This adware-type application might have data-tracking abilities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like DefaultProgram on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by DefaultProgram
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. ▼ 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 analyzed thousands of adware-type apps; ProductSkyBlog, ConnectivityRepair, ActiveAnalyser, LegionRelic, BootEfficient – are just some examples.

Software within this classification usually appears legitimate and harmless. Users are lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of various "handy" and "advantageous" functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.

It must be mentioned 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 DefaultProgram install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.

Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on deceptive/scam sites. Most users access these pages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Additionally, this software is proliferated by intrusive adverts. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all applications, browser extensions, tools, features, and so on.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless – yet they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect apps and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DefaultProgram, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove DefaultProgram adware using Combo Cleaner:

DefaultProgram adware removal:

Remove DefaultProgram-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays ads that mainly endorse content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, this software usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and gather vulnerable information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove DefaultProgram adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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