Removal instructions for the DataUpdate adware-type application

What kind of application is DataUpdate?

While inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our researchers discovered the DataUpdate app. After analyzing it, we determined that this application is adware (advertising-supported software). DataUpdate is part of the AdLoad malware family.

DataUpdate adware overview

Adware is designed to generate revenue for their developers through advertising. This software typically operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, pop-ups, coupons, surveys, etc.) on visited websites or other interfaces. These ads can promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Note that while legitimate products/services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is performed by scammers who abuse the promoted content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if DataUpdate does not display ads – it remains a threat to system safety and user privacy.

While AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking abilities – DataUpdate did not exhibit these qualities during testing.

Furthermore, software within this classification usually collects sensitive information, and DataUpdate might possess such data-tracking functionalities as well. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be monetized through sale to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of adware like DataUpdate on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by DataUpdate
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

PartitionActivity, OfflineFiberOptic, and FunctionNetwork are just a few examples of adware we have examined recently. Advertising-supported software rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and innocuous.

Adware can also offer a wide variety of useful and advantageous functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Keep in mind 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 DataUpdate install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing tactic, which involves parking regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.

Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Advertising-supported software is also endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional webpages and scam sites. Most visitors enter these pages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

How to avoid installation of adware?

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

We also advise vigilance while browsing, as fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – however, they redirect users to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove DataUpdate adware using Combo Cleaner:

DataUpdate adware removal:

Remove DataUpdate-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?

The presence of adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software displays advertisements that may endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by placing third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of generating redirects and collecting private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, products, software, services, etc.). The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. The majority of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove DataUpdate adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Remember that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.

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