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How to remove the DominantCommand application

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

What is DominantCommand?

DominantCommand generates ads and promotes a fake search engine by modifying browser settings. Therefore, this app is classified as adware and a browser hijacker. Note that apps like DominantCommand are capable of accessing sensitive information.

Both adware-type apps and browser hijackers are classified as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) because users rarely download or install them intentionally.

DominantCommand adware

DominantCommand adware overview

Adware is a type of software that generates revenue for developer by displaying banners, pop-ups, surveys, coupons or other advertisements. Commonly, these ads are used to advertise dubious websites and bogus software, however, they can only open the rogue pages (or cause unwanted downloads and installations) when clicked. Note that rogue ads can be designed to cause unwanted downloads and installations by executing certain scripts.

Browser hijackers change the settings of hijacked browsers to promote fake search engines. Usually, they change the default search engine, homepage, and new tab. I.e., they ensure that the hijacked browser opens a specific address when users enter search queries into the URL bar or open new windows or tabs.

Changes made by browser hijackers can be reversed only when the browser hijacker is no longer installed. Therefore, to remove the address of the fake search engine (promoted by DominantCommand), it is necessary to uninstall this app first.

DominantCommand and similar apps can also gather various data. They often target IP addresses, entered search queries, addresses if visited (opened) websites, geolocations, and other browsing-related information. Some adware-type apps can read personal information. For example, passwords and credit card details. Depending on the gathered data, individuals behind apps such as DominantCommand can misuse it for marketing purposes, sell it to third parties (potentially cyber criminals), use it to access and hijack personal accounts, steal identities, make fraudulent purchases, transactions, etc.

Therefore, you are strongly advised to remove DominantCommand and similar apps from browsers and operating systems.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by DominantCommand
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names (.service) Avast (MacOS:Agent-MT [Trj]), AVG (MacOS:Agent-MT [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), Full List (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (.system) Avast (MacOS:Agent-MT [Trj]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Generic.21025), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information This application belongs to the 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.

Similar software examples

Most adware-type apps and browser hijackers are downloaded and installed by users unintentionally - these apps are useless to regular users, even if the developers advertise them as legitimate and useful apps. I.e., apps such as DominantCommand generate revenue for the developers and can cause serious issues.

More examples of apps similar to DominantCommand are EssentialType, RecordMapper, and ConfigType.

How did DominantCommand install on my computer?

In some cases, users download or install applications like DominantCommand through deceptive advertisements: by clicking ads that are designed to execute certain scripts.

Unwanted downloads and installations also occur during download/installation of other programs. I.e., when PUAs are included into the set-ups as 'extra offers'. This PUA distribution method of PUAs is called "bundling".

Typically, offers to download and install these additional apps can be declined via "Custom", "Advanced" or other settings, or by unticking certain checkboxes within the set-ups. When users download and install programs without making these checks and changes, they often allow PUAs to infiltrate.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Download software and files from official websites and via direct links. It is not safe to use torrent clients, eMule (or other Peer-to-Peer networks), third party downloaders, unofficial websites or other sources of this kind.

Avoid third party installers. Check "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings, and decline offers to download or install unwanted software. Do not click ads that are displayed on dubious websites, since they can open other untrusted websites or even cause unwanted downloads and installations.

Remove any unwanted, suspicious applications (extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins) that are installed on the browser. The same should be applied to programs of this kind that are installed on the operating system.

Regularly scan your computer with reputable antivirus or anti-spyware software and keep this software up to date.

If your computer is already infected with DominantCommand, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Text in the pop-up window that may appear while DominantCommand is installed:

"DominantCommandd" will damage your computer.
 
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
 
OK
 
Show in Finder

DominantCommand detected as malicious on VirusTotal:

dominantcommand adware virustotal detections

Delusive application installer promoting DominantCommand adware:

Delusive installer used to promote DominantCommand adware

Delusive application installer promoting DominantCommand adware (second installation step):

dominantcommand adware installer step 2

Files related to DominantCommand adware that need to be removed:

  • ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.DominantCommand.service.app
  • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.DominantCommand.service.plist
  • /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.DominantCommand.system
  • /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.DominantCommand.system.plist

IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases, malicious applications like DominantCommand alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of dubious websites.

The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you must restore them manually.

Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.

Changing proxy settings - navigate to the system settings

Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.

Changing proxy settings - navigate to the network settings

Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".

Changing proxy settings - select the connected network and click Advanced...

Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all protocols. You should also assign the settings of each protocol to the default: "*.local, 169.254/16".

Changing proxy settings - untick all the options and set their settings to default

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 DominantCommand adware using Combo Cleaner:

DominantCommand adware removal:

Remove DominantCommand-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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware-delivered advertisements endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware is considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually collects vulnerable information.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on different interfaces (e.g., visited websites, desktops, etc.). Some adware types are also capable of generating redirects and collecting private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit through content promotion (e.g., websites, applications, extensions, products, etc.). Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove DominantCommand adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed with the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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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.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Removal Instructions in other languages
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

QR Code
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Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by DominantCommand on your mobile device.
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