How to remove DigitalKey from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is DigitalKey?
We have analyzed DigitalKey and found that it generates intrusive ads and has been flagged as malicious by multiple security vendors. Consequently, we have classified DigitalKey as adware. Users are advised against installing such applications because they can expose users to various online threats.
DigitalKey adware in detail
If installed, DigitalKey can display pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other intrusive advertisements. These ads can contain misleading offers, fake warnings, and other elements designed to trick users into interacting with them. Clicking ads generated by DigitalKey can take users to unreliable websites and sometimes trigger unwanted downloads.
Users might be directed to websites created to steal login credentials (e.g., usernames and passwords), credit card details, ID card information, and other data. Also, ads from DigitalKey can direct users to sites that offer counterfeit services or products or host malicious applications. Interacting with these pages may result in monetary theft or computer infections.
Additionally, the continuous display of ads and background processes related to DigitalKey can reduce a device's performance, causing lag and slowdowns. Furthermore, DigitalKey might collect personal data, such as browsing habits, location, and online behavior, which can be sold to third parties without user consent.
Moreover, DigitalKey may be designed to be difficult to remove by hiding its presence or reinstalling itself after being deleted, requiring specialized tools or for complete removal. Overall, DigitalKey is not a trustworthy application and should be avoided.
| Name | Ads by DigitalKey |
| 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. |
Conclusion
Adware is intrusive software that disrupts users with unwanted ads, compromises privacy, and can lead to security risks like malware downloads. Also, it oftn slows down devices and collects personal data without consent. To protect against these issues, it is essential to avoid downloading suspicious programs and use reliable security tools to detect and remove adware.
More adware examples are ServiceDesk, OperativeIndexer, and WebTemplate.
How did DigitalKey install on my computer?
Users often install adware alongside free or untrusted software that has it as part of the package. This typically happens when users proceed with the default installation settings, skipping the option to customize or uncheck additional offers through "Custom", "Advanced", or similar settings or checkboxes.
Adware can also be introduced through downloads from questionable sources like unofficial websites or app stores, peer-to-peer networks, or unreliable download managers. Additionally, interacting with deceptive ads, pop-ups, or notifications can result in the unintentional installation of adware on devices.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Ensure your software comes from trustworthy sources like official app stores, avoiding third-party downloaders, P2P networks, or unofficial platforms. Opt for "Advanced" or "Custom" settings during installation to spot and decline any additional unwanted programs.
Do not interact with pop-ups, notifications, or ads that seem overly enticing. Keep your operating system and applications up to date, and avoid clicking on links or opening attachments in suspicious emails to safeguard your system. If your computer is already infected with DigitalKey, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A message that appears after the installation of DigitalKey:
DigitalKey'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 DigitalKey?
- STEP 1. Remove DigitalKey related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DigitalKey ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DigitalKey adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DigitalKey ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
DigitalKey adware removal:
Remove DigitalKey-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 can slow down your system, interfere with browsing and computing, and compromise privacy. Additionally, fully removing it from your device can be challenging.
What does adware do?
Adware is software that displays unwanted ads. It may also be programmed to collect personal information or hijack web browsers.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers typically generate revenue by promoting products, websites, services, and more. They often earn through affiliate programs, receiving payment when users take actions such as making purchases.
Will Combo Cleaner remove WebTemplate adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove all adware. Manual removal may not fully clear all traces, as some residual files could remain hidden, and certain components may continue running in the background. It is best to use tools like Combo Cleaner for thorough and easy removal.
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