How to remove ChallengeDiscovery adware from the operating system

What kind of application is ChallengeDiscovery?

Our research team discovered the ChallengeDiscovery app while checking out new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. ChallengeDiscovery belongs to the AdLoad malware family. This application operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns.

ChallengeDiscovery adware overview

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

Note that this software might not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, particular sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if ChallengeDiscovery does not display advertisements – the app's presence on a system remains a threat.

Adware-delivered ads predominantly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that while genuine content may be encountered through these advertisements – it is unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

While we have found many instances of AdLoad adware exhibiting browser-hijacking functionalities – we did not observe these features while analyzing ChallengeDiscovery.

Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might be true of the ChallengeDiscovery app. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, software like ChallengeDiscovery may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ChallengeDiscovery
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.Searchproxy.), 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

DisplayEscape, AnalyzerProgram, CampaignConclusion, and QuestDevice are merely a few examples of adware we have investigated recently.

Despite this software's ordinary appearance and promises of "handy" functionalities – it seldom operates as advertised. Typically, the "useful" features are fake and nonfunctional, as their purpose is to lure users into downloading/installing the adware.

However, 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 ChallengeDiscovery install on my computer?

Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects generated by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening capabilities).

Furthermore, some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission. These adverts are also used in adware distribution.

Advertising-supported software can be bundled with ordinary programs as well. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, investigating possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, and so on.

We advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look legitimate/innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ChallengeDiscovery, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove ChallengeDiscovery adware using Combo Cleaner:

ChallengeDiscovery adware removal:

Remove ChallengeDiscovery-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 is designed to display ads that commonly promote harmful content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Furthermore, adware typically has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is considered to be a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying advertisements on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue by promoting content, e.g., websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ChallengeDiscovery adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) stay hidden within the system. These remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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