Removing DigitalSystem adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is DigitalSystem?
DigitalSystem is a rogue application discovered by our research team while checking file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Upon investigation, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. DigitalSystem is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns and may have other harmful capabilities.
DigitalSystem adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It can display third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, banners, coupons, pop-ups, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
Specific conditions may be necessary for adware to operate in this manner (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether DigitalSystem delivers advertisements – its presence on a device threatens system and user safety.
Adware-displayed ads can endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It must be mentioned that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely promoted by scammers abusing its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
While we have found many AdLoad apps with browser-hijacking functionalities, we did not observe these qualities when testing the DigitalSystem application.
Additionally, advertising-supported software usually collects sensitive information, and this might be true of DigitalSystem. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, software like DigitalSystem can cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DigitalSystem |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.29), 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 investigated numerous adware samples; SystemLocator, ServiceCreations, and CyclePanel are merely a couple of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software typically appears harmless and offers various functionalities. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Remember that operational features do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did DigitalSystem install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing tactic – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions.
Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installations (e.g., skipping sections, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Furthermore, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. These are primarily accessed via redirects generated by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive adverts. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. All downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, it is essential to study terms and available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering ads and/or 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 DigitalSystem, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DigitalSystem adware's installation is over:
DigitalSystem 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 DigitalSystem?
- STEP 1. Remove DigitalSystem related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DigitalSystem ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DigitalSystem adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DigitalSystem ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DigitalSystem adware using Combo Cleaner:
DigitalSystem adware removal:
Remove DigitalSystem-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 can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Serious threats are posed by the content endorsed via adware-displayed ads (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). This software usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is deemed to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of advertisements on various interfaces. Some types may also generate redirects and collect sensitive user information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit by promoting various websites, products, services, and other content. Most of the revenue is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DigitalSystem adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and removing detected adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be a perfect solution. After the adware has been manually removed – file remnants can stay hidden within the system. What is more, these components may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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