How to remove DefaultService adware from the operating system

What kind of application is DefaultService?

Our researchers found the DefaultService application while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon examination, we determined that this app is adware from the AdLoad malware family. It operates by delivering intrusive ad campaigns and may possess other harmful abilities.

DefaultService adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically displays third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, etc.) on visited sites or other interfaces.

These advertisements can promote online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Note that while legitimate products/services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Adware might need certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if DefaultService does not display adverts – it endangers device/user safety.

Browser-hijacking capabilities are common in AdLoad adware, but we did not observe these qualities while testing the DefaultService application.

Additionally, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this is likely true of DefaultService. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. This vulnerable information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by DefaultService
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), 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. ▼ 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

WebIndex, GrowthStyle, and WebCoordinator are merely a few examples of adware we have investigated recently. Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and innocuous. It can also offer a broad range of useful functionalities, which are rarely operational.

Remember that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did DefaultService install on my computer?

Adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam sites. They are primarily accessed through redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements spread this software as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing. Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and verified channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of 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 adverts may look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (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 suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DefaultService, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove DefaultService adware using Combo Cleaner:

DefaultService adware removal:

Remove DefaultService-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-delivered advertisements endorse content that may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, adware is considered a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion (e.g., sites, products, services, etc.). The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove DefaultService adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. These remnants may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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