How to remove the DataCollection adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is DataCollection?
Our research team found the DataCollection app while browsing file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After examining this application, we learned that it is advertising-supported software (adware). DataCollection belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
DataCollection adware overview
The purpose of adware is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. This is typically achieved by placing third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, and other ads) on visited websites, desktops, or different interfaces.
It is pertinent to mention that adware might not run intrusive advertisement campaigns in this manner if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system, particular sites not visited, etc.). Regardless of whether DataCollection displays advertisements – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
Adware-delivered adverts can promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some can perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products or services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers or other official parties. This endorsement is most likely undertaken by scammers motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the promoted content's affiliate programs.
We have found many AdLoad apps with browser-hijacking capabilities in the past, yet we did not observe these qualities while testing the DataCollection application.
Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to DataCollection. The app might collect browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like DataCollection on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DataCollection |
| 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. |
Adware examples
We have examined numerous adware samples; FocusProgrammer, InitialRemote, OpportunityTerminal – are merely a couple of our newest articles on this software.
Adware rarely looks illegitimate or otherwise suspicious – it tends to appear ordinary and harmless. It can also offer a broad range of useful functionalities. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
Remember that even if a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did DataCollection install on my computer?
Adware is endorsed on genuine-looking promotional pages and scam sites. They are most commonly accessed through redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked. These adverts are also used to proliferate advertising-supported software.
Another distribution method is bundling – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We advise researching software and downloading it from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears genuine and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts and/or redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DataCollection, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DataCollection adware's installation is over:
DataCollection 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
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Quick menu:
- What is DataCollection?
- STEP 1. Remove DataCollection related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DataCollection ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DataCollection adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DataCollection ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DataCollection adware using Combo Cleaner:
DataCollection adware removal:
Remove DataCollection-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?
Having adware installed on a device can result in a diminished browsing experience and system performance. This software delivers ads that may promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware usually has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some adware types can also force-open webpages and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and other content. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DataCollection adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating detected adware-type apps. However, manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various components (files) stay hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is essential.
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