Removal instructions for DigitalBrowser adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is DigitalBrowser?
DigitalBrowser is the name of a rogue app. Upon inspection, we learned that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.
DigitalBrowser adware overview
Adware typically operates by displaying adverts (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, surveys, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. This third-party graphical content is more than a mere annoyance, as it commonly promotes deceptive and malicious material.
Ads of this kind can endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations. Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via said adverts is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if DigitalBrowser does not deliver ads – it threatens device/user safety.
Applications that are part of the AdLoad malware family often exhibit browser-hijacking capabilities, but we did not observe them while testing DigitalBrowser.
Additionally, adware usually possesses data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of DigitalBrowser. Data of interest can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can be shared with or sold to third-parties.
In summary, advertising-supported software is associated with system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by DigitalBrowser |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Additional Information | This application belongs to the 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
Innless.app, ConnectionHandler, AssistiveLibrary, and BasicApplication are just some examples of adware that we have investigated recently. Software within this category usually appears legitimate and offers useful features. However, it seldom functions as promised, and in most cases – all its functionalities are fake.
Remember that even if an app or a browser extension operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did DigitalBrowser install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing method, which involves packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from suspicious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Furthermore, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. They are primarily accessed via redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open pages).
What is more, advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive adverts. Some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, etc.
We advise exercising caution while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DigitalBrowser, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DigitalBrowser adware's installation is over:
DigitalBrowser 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 DigitalBrowser?
- STEP 1. Remove DigitalBrowser related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DigitalBrowser ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DigitalBrowser adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DigitalBrowser ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
DigitalBrowser adware removal:
Remove DigitalBrowser-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-displayed advertisements promote content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The software's presence on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. 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. Its purpose is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers via advertising. Adware's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening webpages, and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DigitalBrowser adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type apps that are installed. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security software) might not be an ideal solution. After the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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