How to remove DiscoveryUniverse adware from Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is DiscoveryUniverse?
While browsing file submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our researchers found the DiscoveryUniverse application. After investigating it, we determined that this app is advertising-supported software (adware). DiscoveryUniverse belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
DiscoveryUniverse adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. In most cases, the software operates by displaying ads (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, banners, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
However, specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether DiscoveryUniverse delivers advertisements – its presence endangers device integrity and user privacy.
Adware-displayed adverts can endorse online scams (phishing, tech support, etc.), untrustworthy/hazardous (adware, browser hijackers, PUAs, etc.), and malware (trojans, ransomware, etc.). Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Note that while genuine content may be encountered via these ads – it is unlikely to be promoted in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad apps often have browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe these traits while investigating DiscoveryUniverse.
Additionally, advertising-supported software usually collects sensitive user information, and DiscoveryUniverse may have such data-tracking abilities as well. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit/debit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like DiscoveryUniverse on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DiscoveryUniverse |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CJ [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.42), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adlo), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Agent.ad), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| 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
FlexibleRemote, RecordPlatform, TrustedSafeFinder, and NetCollection are merely some of our latest articles on Mac-specific adware. This software usually appears legitimate and offers "useful" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did DiscoveryUniverse install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using the bundling method – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. These installation setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspicious sources.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed by scam websites. Users primarily access these webpages via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise vigilance when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DiscoveryUniverse, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the DiscoveryUniverse adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.DiscoveryUniverse.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.DiscoveryUniverse.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.DiscoveryUniverse.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.DiscoveryUniverse.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like DiscoveryUniverse alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you'll have to restore them manually.
Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.
Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.
Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".
Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also set the settings of each protocol to default - "*.local, 169.254/16".
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 DiscoveryUniverse?
- STEP 1. Remove DiscoveryUniverse related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DiscoveryUniverse ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DiscoveryUniverse adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DiscoveryUniverse ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
DiscoveryUniverse adware removal:
Remove DiscoveryUniverse-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-delivered ads promote content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware typically has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It usually functions by displaying ads on various interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove DiscoveryUniverse adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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