How to eliminate the DiscoveryAdmin adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is DiscoveryAdmin?
While investigating file submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our researchers discovered the DiscoveryAdmin application. After analyzing DiscoveryAdmin, we learned that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to generate revenue for its developers.
DiscoveryAdmin adware overview
Adware typically operates by displaying advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, overlays, banners, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. This software may need specific conditions to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). Yet even if DiscoveryAdmin does not deliver ads – the application remains a threat to device and user safety.
Adware-displayed adverts can promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Some of the advertisements perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Remember that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is performed by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking abilities, but we did not observe these traits while analyzing the DiscoveryAdmin adware.
Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of DiscoveryAdmin. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like DiscoveryAdmin can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DiscoveryAdmin |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.5), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.g), 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
We have inspected numerous adware samples; IndexerAdmin, MetroBrowser, and ActivityOverall are just a few of our newest finds. Advertising-supported software usually looks useful and offers various functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did DiscoveryAdmin install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling technique – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Intrusive adverts spread advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Users primarily enter these pages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Installations must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing, as fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements can look harmless – yet they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and remove suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DiscoveryAdmin, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DiscoveryAdmin adware's installation is over:
DiscoveryAdmin 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 DiscoveryAdmin?
- STEP 1. Remove DiscoveryAdmin related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DiscoveryAdmin ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DiscoveryAdmin adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DiscoveryAdmin ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
DiscoveryAdmin adware removal:
Remove DiscoveryAdmin-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 may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software displays ads promoting content that can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware is classified as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by placing third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces, and some types are also capable of generating redirects and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., websites, software, products, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove DiscoveryAdmin adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. The remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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