How to eliminate the DomainQuantity adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is DomainQuantity?
DomainQuantity is a rogue application discovered by our research team during a routine investigation of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. We determined that this piece of software is adware from the AdLoad malware family. The DomainQuantity app operates by running intrusive ad campaigns.
DomainQuantity adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
It is noteworthy that specific conditions may be required for adware to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if DomainQuantity does not display ads – its presence on a system remains a threat.
Adware-delivered adverts primarily promote scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products and services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted 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 acquire illegitimate commissions.
Browser-hijacking abilities are common for AdLoad adware – however, DomainQuantity did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.
It is pertinent to mention that this rogue application might have data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can then be monetized through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like DomainQuantity on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by DomainQuantity |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.32), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), 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
UpgradeSection, InterfaceComputing, ExemplaryDatabase, and EditExecute are but a few examples of adware-type apps we have analyzed recently.
Software within this classification rarely appears suspicious; it tends to look legitimate and innocuous. Users can be lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of various "useful" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did DomainQuantity install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Furthermore, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most visitors enter these pages via redirects generated by misspelled URLs, websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements also spread advertising-supported software. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with care. Therefore, we recommend reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
If you keep encountering adverts/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DomainQuantity, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DomainQuantity adware's installation is over:
DomainQuantity 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
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Quick menu:
- What is DomainQuantity?
- STEP 1. Remove DomainQuantity related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DomainQuantity ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DomainQuantity adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DomainQuantity ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DomainQuantity adware using Combo Cleaner:
DomainQuantity adware removal:
Remove DomainQuantity-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?
The presence of adware on a device may decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software displays ads promoting content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). It is also considered to be a threat to user privacy since adware usually possesses data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on various interfaces, and some types can also force-open websites and collect vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs for content promotion. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DomainQuantity adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type applications present. Note that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, file remnants stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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