Removing the DiscoveryExemplary adware-type application from your Mac

What kind of application is DiscoveryExemplary?

DiscoveryExemplary is a rogue application discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Our analysis revealed that DiscoveryExemplary is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family. This app runs intrusive advert campaigns and may have other harmful capabilities.

DiscoveryExemplary adware overview

Adware typically operates by placing advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, banners, etc.) on visited websites or other interfaces. The ads can promote various scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that while genuine products/services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Software within this classification might not deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system, specific sites not visited, etc.). However, regardless of whether DiscoveryExemplary displays ads – the app's presence on a device remains a threat to system security and user privacy.

AdLoad applications commonly exhibit browser-hijacking functionalities, but we did not observe these qualities while examining DiscoveryExemplary.

Adware usually collects private information, and DiscoveryExemplary might possess such data-tracking abilities. Gathered data typically includes: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so forth. This vulnerable data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like DiscoveryExemplary on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by DiscoveryExemplary
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware examples

We have investigated numerous adware-type apps; DeviceMode, RecordKey, ConfigBalance, and Bande.app are but a few of our latest finds.

Advertising-supported software is usually presented as legitimate and useful. It can offer a wide variety of "handy" functionalities, which are rarely operational. Note that even if a piece of software works as promised – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.

How did DiscoveryExemplary install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing technique, which involves packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions.

Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.

Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed by scam sites. Users primarily access these pages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations. These adverts spread adware as well.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, features, etc.).

We also advise vigilance when browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DiscoveryExemplary, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once DiscoveryExemplary adware's installation is over:

DiscoveryExemplary 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 DiscoveryExemplary?
• STEP 1. Remove DiscoveryExemplary related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove DiscoveryExemplary ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove DiscoveryExemplary adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove DiscoveryExemplary ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove DiscoveryExemplary adware using Combo Cleaner:

DiscoveryExemplary adware removal:

Remove DiscoveryExemplary-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 delivers advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware typically has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. As this classification implies, the software generates revenue through advertising. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit through content promotion (e.g., sites, software, products, services, etc.). The majority of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove DiscoveryExemplary adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. What is more, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is essential.

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