How to remove DefaultAgent from computers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is DefaultAgent?
During our examination of DefaultAgent, we found that it functions as adware. The application's purpose is to deliver unwanted advertisements. Moreover, multiple security vendors have flagged the application as malicious. Users should avoid installing DefaultAgent and similar applications.
DefaultAgent adware in detail
DefaultAgent can display intrusive banners, pop-ups, coupons, and other advertisements. Some of these ads may contain fake offers, warnings, alerts, and similar content to lure users into clicking them. Interacting with ads from DefaultAgent may take users to untrustworthy websites hosting scams and unwanted (potentially malicious) apps.
These ads may lead users to web pages designed to steal money or personal information, such as credit card details, login credentials (e.g., usernames and passwords), ID card details, or other information. Also, they may direct users to sites created to deceive users into infecting their computers.
Moreover, DefaultAgent can negatively impact system performance by using resources and running in the background. Additionally, the app may gather data such as browsing history, search activity, IP addresses, device information, etc. This poses a privacy risk since the collected data may be shared with third parties or misused for malicious purposes.
DefaultAgent can cause users various issues, making its removal essential. If manual removal fails or the software reinstalls itself, using a tool like Combo Cleaner is recommended for thorough elimination.
| Name | Ads by DefaultAgent |
| 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
In conclusion, DefaultAgent and similar adware can invade user privacy and compromise security. Software of this type can be capable of collecting browsing data, showing deceptive ads, and potentially leading to malware infections. Users shoudl be careful when downloading and installing apps to avoid adware.
Examples of apps classified as adware are PrimaryBalance, ExecutiveSection, and FeedNames.
How did DefaultAgent install on my computer?
Adware is often bundled with free or untrustworthy software, and users who skip installation steps without changing the provided settings (e.g., "Advanced" or "Custom") may unknowingly install it. This method, known as bundling, is a common way adware spreads.
Additionally, adware can be delivered through fake software updates, deceptive ads, malicious websites, unofficial app stores, notifications from untrustworthy sites, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, and third-party downloaders.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download apps and files from trusted sources, such as official websites or reputable app stores. Select the "Advanced" or "Custom" option during installations to check for and decline unwanted programs.
Avoid interacting with suspicious ads, pop-ups, or links on untrustworthy sites, and never allow questionable websites to send notifications. Keep your system and software updated, and run regular scans with a reliable security tool. If your computer is already infected with DefaultAgent, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that appears after the installation of DefaultAgent:
DefaultAgent'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 DefaultAgent?
- STEP 1. Remove DefaultAgent related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DefaultAgent ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DefaultAgent adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DefaultAgent ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
DefaultAgent adware removal:
Remove DefaultAgent-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 lead to various risks, including exposure to scams and malware, degrade system performance, interfere with normal computer usage, and create other unwanted problems for users.
What does adware do?
Adware shows disruptive ads and may also collect browsing data and other personal information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware creators typically profit by promoting products, websites, or services through affiliate programs, earning money from user actions like clicks, purchases, or other engagements.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DefaultAgent adware?
Combo Cleaner will perform a complete system scan to remove all adware. Manual removal might not be fully effective, as some files could remain hidden, and certain adware components may continue running even after removal.
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