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How to remove DefaultProcesser adware

Also Known As: Ads by DefaultProcesser
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is DefaultProcesser adware?

DefaultProcesser is a rogue application classified as adware. As well as delivering intrusive ad campaigns, it also has browser hijacker traits, such as browser modification and promotion of fake search engines. DefaultProcesser promotes Safe Finder through akamaihd.net.

Most adware and browser hijackers track browsing-related data, and this is likely to be the case with DefaultProcesser. Since most users download/install DefaultProcesser inadvertently, it is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).

DefaultProcesser adware

Adware enables the placement of pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons and other intrusive ads, typically, on any visited website. These advertisements overlay web page content and reduce browsing speed, significantly diminishing the browsing experience. When clicked, they redirect to various sale-oriented, untrusted/rogue, compromised, deceptive/scam and malicious sites.

Some of the ads can even be triggered (when clicked) to execute scripts, designed to stealthily download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs). Browser hijackers assign the addresses of bogus search engines as the homepage, default search engines and new tab/window URLs.

Therefore, each new browser tab/window opened and each search query typed into the URL bar redirects to the promoted address. In the case of DefaultProcesser, it promotes Safe Finder via akamaihd.net.

Fake search engines are seldom capable of providing search results, and so they redirect (or cause redirection chains leading) to Google, Yahoo, Bing or other genuine search engines.

To recover the hijacked browser it is necessary to eliminate the software affecting it, since browser hijackers can reset any changes users attempt to make to their browsers and/or limit/deny access to the browser settings.

Most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) can record browsing activity (URLs visited, web pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and gather personal information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). The collected data is usually shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

Therefore, the presence of data-tracking software on browsers/systems can lead to financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft. To protect device integrity and user safety, you are strongly advised to remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by DefaultProcesser
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
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), 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.
▼ 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.

LeadingAdviseSearchOperativeFieldRequestTop and ManagerBoost are some examples of other adware infections. These apps often appear legitimate and useful, however, they are rarely operational, and this is typical of most PUAs. The only purpose of these unwanted applications is to generate revenue for the developers.

Rather than delivering any real value, PUAs deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns, hijack browsers, force-open untrusted and/or malicious web pages, and gather private data.

How did DefaultProcesser install on my computer?

PUAs are proliferated through the download/installation set-ups of other programs. "Bundling" is the term used to describe this deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions.

By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping sections, etc.), many users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content onto the system. Certain PUAs have "official" promotional pages from which they can be downloaded. Intrusive ads can infiltrate these applications into devices as well.

Once clicked, they can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

You are advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Untrusted sources such as unofficial and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks (BitTorrent, eMule, Gnutella, etc.) and other third party downloaders can offer dubious and/or bundled content.

When downloading/installing, it is important to read the terms, explore all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, functions, and so on. Intrusive ads may seem legitimate, however, they often redirect to dubious web pages (e.g. gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).

If you encounter ads/redirects of this type, check the system and remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins without delay. If your computer is already infected with DefaultProcesser, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once DefaultProcesser installation is complete:

pop-up displayed once DefaultProcesser installation is done

DefaultProcesser redirecting users to Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net:

DefaultProcesser redirecting users to Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net

DefaultProcesser adware installation folder:

DefaultProcesser adware install older

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:

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

DefaultProcesser adware removal:

Remove DefaultProcesser-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac browser hijacker removal from 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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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Ads by DefaultProcesser QR code
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