Removing the DefaultConfig adware and the advertisements it displays

What kind of application is DefaultConfig?

Our researchers discovered the DefaultConfig application while inspecting new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Upon examination, we determined that this software is adware from the AdLoad malware family. DefaultConfig runs intrusive advert campaigns and may have other harmful abilities.

DefaultConfig adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphic content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited sites or different interfaces. The adverts endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that while genuine content may be encountered through these advertisements – it is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the product's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Adware may require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if DefaultConfig does not display adverts – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

Additionally, AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking functionalities, although we did not observe these qualities while testing DefaultConfig.

What is more, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by DefaultConfig
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), 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

We have examined thousands of adware-type apps; Repiningly.app, TaskNames, SyncedWindow, and RankingNetworks are merely a few examples.

Adware typically looks legitimate and harmless. Users may be lured into downloading/installing advertising-supported software by offers of various "useful" functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

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 DefaultConfig install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations. These ads are also used to proliferate advertising-supported software.

Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most users access these pages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.

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

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove DefaultConfig adware using Combo Cleaner:

DefaultConfig adware removal:

Remove DefaultConfig-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-displayed advertisements endorse content capable of causing system infections, financial losses, and other severe issues. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware is also deemed to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering vulnerable data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.). The majority of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove DefaultConfig adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers stay hidden within the system. These remnants may continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is essential to eliminate adware and other undesirable software thoroughly.

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