Removal instructions for the Dem.app adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Dem.app?
Our research team found Dem.app while investigating new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After inspecting this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). Dem.app belongs to the Pirrit malware family.
Dem.app adware overview
Adware runs intrusive advertisement campaigns. Typically, it places third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
The displayed adverts can endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is performed by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not operate as intended if the browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether Dem.app delivers ads – it endangers device and user safety.
Adware often exhibits browser-hijacking capabilities, yet we did not observe these qualities during our analysis of Dem.app.
Furthermore, software within this classification usually possesses data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to Dem.app. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. This sensitive information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of adware like Dem.app on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Dem.app |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-EI [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27577), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BM), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to the Pirrit 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
ProcessInput, ElementFormula, ConsoleActivity, FilterValue, ValidQueue, and ManagerCommand are just some of our latest articles on adware.
Usually, this software appears legitimate and useful. It can lure users into downloading/installing by promising a wide variety of handy functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be emphasized even if an app or an extension operates as detailed by its promotional material – that alone does not prove its legitimacy or safety.
How did Dem.app install on my computer?
Adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional webpages and scam sites. They are mainly accessed via redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
"Bundling" – the marketing technique that involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to distribute advertising-supported software.
These installation setups can be downloaded from a variety of dubious sources, such as freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and others. The presence of these bundled additions is often hidden – thus, it can be missed when rushing through installation processes (e.g., by ignoring terms, skipping steps/sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Furthermore, adware is proliferated by intrusive adverts. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software before downloading/purchasing. All downloads must be made from official and trustworthy channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, studying available 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 the Internet is full of deceptive and dangerous content. For example, intrusive ads may appear harmless yet redirect to questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Dem.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
When removing Dem.app, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "Dem.app"):
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/StartupItems
Pop-up window displayed when Dem.app adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Dem.app" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on a unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
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 Dem.app?
- STEP 1. Remove Dem.app related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Dem.app ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Dem.app adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Dem.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Dem.app adware removal:
Remove Dem.app-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. Significant threats are posed by the content promoted through adware-delivered advertisements (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware aims to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Dem.app adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate all kinds of threats. It can scan devices and remove installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other undesirable software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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