How to remove DefaultProcesser adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
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).
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.
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. |
LeadingAdviseSearch, OperativeField, RequestTop 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:
DefaultProcesser redirecting users to Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net:
DefaultProcesser adware 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 DefaultProcesser?
- STEP 1. Remove DefaultProcesser related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DefaultProcesser ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DefaultProcesser adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DefaultProcesser ads from Mozilla Firefox.
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:
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.
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