How to remove the DevModule adware from a browser and computer?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
How to remove DevModule from Mac?
What is DevModule?
This application is designed to function not only as adware but also as a browser hijacker and data collector. More precisely, it is designed to serve advertisements, promote a fake search engine (its address) and collect sensitive information. Most of the times users download and install apps like DevModule unknowingly, therefore, they are called potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
It is common that advertisements that are displayed by adware like DevModule are designed to promote (open) questionable websites or even cause downloads and/or installations of unwanted applications by executing certain scripts. Usually adware is designed to serve banners, coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, although, it may serve other ads as well. Another problem with apps like DevModule is that they tend to be designed to promote some fake search engine by changing browser settings such as address of a default search engine, homepage and new tab. It is common that users cannot remove a certain address from the aforementioned settings unless they uninstall the app that is designed to promote it. As mentioned in the introduction, DevModule is capable of accessing sensitive information. It can collect passwords, credit card details, telephone numbers and/or some other information from websites. Its developers could misuse gathered details to steal accounts (e.g. email, social media, banking-related accounts), identities, make fraudulent transactions, purchases, or for other malicious purposes.
| Name | Ads by DevModule |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), AVG (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), 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), 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 apps like DevModule, some examples are NetInput, NetworkHelper and StandardMethod. Typically, adware is advertised as legitimate, useful, software. Although, most of them it is designed only to generate revenue for its developers by serving ads, promoting shady addresses and/or gathering various data. Therefore, apps like DevModule should never be downloaded and installed.
How did DevModule install on my computer?
More often than not potentially unwanted apps are distributed by integrating them in download and/or installation setups of other programs. This distribution method is called "bundling". Offers to download and/or install included apps can be declined via "Advanced", "Custom", "Manual" or other settings, or by unticking certain checkboxes that are available in setups. Unwanted apps get downloaded and/or installed together with other programs when users leave the aforementioned settings unchanged (checkboxes unticked). Sometimes unwanted downloads and/or installations can be caused by clicking deceptive advertisements that are designed to execute certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download and installation setups that have settings like "Advanced" "Custom", "Manual", some checkboxes, etc., should be always checked for offers to download and/or install unwanted apps. Files, programs should be downloaded only from legitimate, official web pages, and via direct download links. Examples of sources, tools that should not be used neither to download or install programs, files are unofficial pages, third party downloaders, installers, Peer-to-Peer networks like torrent clients, eMule, or other. Advertisements on shady pages should not be clicked as well, they can be designed to open other websites of this kind or cause unwanted downloads, or even installations. Unwanted, unknown or suspicious apps (extensions, plug-ins, add-ons) that are installed on a browser should be removed, programs this kind that are installed on the operating system should be uninstalled too. If your computer is already infected with DevModule, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DevModule installation is over:
DevModule installed on Safari:
DevModule's installation folder:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer 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 three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- What is DevModule?
- STEP 1. Remove DevModule related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DevModule ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DevModule adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DevModule ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DevModule adware using Combo Cleaner:
DevModule adware removal:
Remove DevModule-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 ads by devmodule 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 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 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 in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure 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 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 it's virus definition database and click "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.
Ads by DevModule removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by devmodule related Safari extensions:
Open 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 normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove ads by devmodule related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the "Open Menu" (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose "Add-ons".
Choose the "Extensions" tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Remove" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove ads by devmodule related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose "More Tools" and select "Extensions".
In the "Extensions" window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Trash" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Outstanding!