DataTransportation Malware (Mac)
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "DataTransportation"?
DataTransportation is a browser app (extension) that usually infiltrates browsers without permission. Therefore, people do not generally download and install this app intentionally. Installations of DataTransportation are caused by other potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) that are categorized as adware.
To cause these unwanted installations, adware-type apps must already be installed on the system. Most users download and install PUAs inadvertently.
This app supposedly works as a web search tool, however, it provides no unique results and simply redirects to search.yahoo.com, or another search engine. More significantly, DataTransportation is capable of reading web page contents: it can read and record sensitive details such as entered logins, passwords, credit card details, various contacts, and so on.
It can also steal personal data from any website. Additionally, DataTransportation tracks information relating to users' browsing history. It can monitor and record which pages are visited, search queries entered, and other browsing-related activity. In summary, this app is capable of stealing sensitive information that cyber criminals can use to generate revenue.
For example, stolen credit card details and passwords might result in financial loss. Note that people who have DataTransportation installed on their systems might also experience other problems with browsing safety, online privacy, and so on.
| Name | DataTransportation virus |
| Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus. |
| 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), fake Flash Player installers, 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. |
There are many malicious programs similar to DataTransportation. Typically, their main purpose is to steal personal, sensitive information and use it to generate as much revenue as possible. People who have apps of this type installed often encounter financial loss or other serious problems.
If there is any reason to think that your computer is infected with a program of this type, eliminate it immediately. Examples of other malicious programs that steal sensitive information or cause other problems are Tefosteal, Phropiex, More_eggs, IcedID, Brushaloader, Beta Bot, and KadrBot.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
As mentioned, this browser app is installed without users' knowledge and is often downloaded and installed through other, already installed unwanted apps (adware).
Few people download and install these apps intentionally - it happens whey they click intrusive ads that are capable of running and executing scripts that download, install unwanted apps or when software developers use a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (they hide information about the inclusion of unwanted apps in software download/installation set-ups).
They generally hide this information in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings. Note, however, that only those people who fail to check and change these settings cause unwanted installations that later result in download/installation of malicious programs such as DataTransportation.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent computer infection by malicious programs (or other unwanted installations), download all software using official websites and not third party downloaders, unofficial pages, Peer-to-Peer networks, or other sources of this kind. Do not use software 'cracking' tools to activate programs or operating systems.
These can cause computer infections and, furthermore, using them is illegal. Software should be updated using tools or implemented functions that are provided by official software developers. Third party updaters cannot be trusted. Furthermore, all installations or downloads should be handled properly.
Check available setup options and deselect offers to install or download unwanted apps. Have reputable anti-virus or anti-spyware software installed and keep it enabled at all times. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
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:
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Quick menu:
- What is "DataTransportation"?
- STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Potentially unwanted applications removal:
Remove 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.
Outstanding!
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