How to remove DominantSoftware adware from your operating system

What kind of application is DominantSoftware?

Our researchers discovered the DominantSoftware application while reviewing new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After investigating this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. DominantSoftware is part of the AdLoad malware family. This app is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns.

DominantSoftware adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by placing third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces. These advertisements endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission when clicked on.

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

Advertising-supported software may require compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, or other specific conditions to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. However, regardless of whether DominantSoftware displays ads – its presence on a device remains a threat.

AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking abilities, but we did not observe them while testing the DominantSoftware adware.

This application might also have data-tracking functionalities, as they are common for advertising-supported software. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can then be shared with and sold to third-parties.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by DominantSoftware
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), 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

CompressModem, ControlDivision, CoordinatorSkill, AdvancedManager, and InputRecord are merely some examples adware-type apps we have investigated recently.

Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious – it tends to look legitimate and harmless. Adware also offers various "useful" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions are usually nonoperational since their only purpose is to serve as bait.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did DominantSoftware install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing technique, which involves packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions.

Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped sections, used "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – pose a threat of bundled content infiltrating the system.

Additionally, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam sites. Most users access them via redirects are generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

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

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is crucial to research software and download it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.

Fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous – therefore, we strongly advise caution when browsing. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove DominantSoftware adware using Combo Cleaner:

DominantSoftware adware removal:

Remove DominantSoftware-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 delivers advertisements that may cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The presence of this software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware is also classified as a privacy threat since it typically gathers sensitive information.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It primarily operates by enabling the placement of ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some adware types are also capable of generating redirects and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., sites, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove DominantSoftware adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type apps present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers can remain hidden within the system, and they might continue running. Therefore, thorough adware removal is essential.

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