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How to uninstall DirectEnterprises adware from your operating system

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

What is DirectEnterprises?

DirectEnterprises is a rogue app classified as adware. This piece of software has browser hijacker traits as well. Due to the dubious methods used to distribute DirectEnterprises, it is also categorized as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application).

DirectEnterprises adware

DirectEnterprises adware overview

Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content on the websites users visit and/or other interfaces. This software can display pop-ups, surveys, banners, coupons, etc. These adverts can endorse various scams, unreliable and harmful sites, unwanted and even malicious applications. What is more, some intrusive ads can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs) - once clicked.

Browser hijackers assign fake search engine addresses as browsers' homepage, new tab/window, and default search engine URLs. Therefore, web searches performed via the URL bar and new browser tabs/windows opened - redirect to the promoted address.

Illegitimate search engines usually cannot provide search results, so they redirect to genuine ones (e.g., Google, Bing, Yahoo, and others). Furthermore, this software can deny access to browser settings and/or undo any permitted changes made.

What is more, adware and browser hijackers typically collect URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, personally identifiable details, and finance-related data. This sensitive information is shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of PUAs on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by DirectEnterprises
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Fortinet (Adware/Synataeb!OSX), GData (OSX.Application.Agent.JJWDG5), 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.
▼ 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.

Adware examples

OffersPrimaryHandlerRotator, and AllianceInstallations are a couple examples of adware. This software appears genuine and useful, but is rarely works as promised. In fact, this is true of nearly all PUAs. The only purpose of unwanted apps is to generate profit for the developers.

How did DirectEnterprises install on my computer?

PUAs are spread using the "bundling" marketing technique - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from dubious channels and rushed installation - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Additionally, when clicked, intrusive adverts can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without user consent. Some of these apps have "official" download webpages as well.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is strongly recommended to research software and only download from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - commonly offer bundled content.

When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Available" options, and opt-out of all supplements. Intrusive advertisements look legitimate and harmless; however, they redirect to questionable sites (e.g., adult-dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).

In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins present - must be removed without delay. If your computer is already infected with DirectEnterprises, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once DirectEnterprises adware's installation is over:

Pop-up displayed once DirectEnterprises installation is complete

DirectEnterprises adware's installation folder:

DirectEnterprises adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove DirectEnterprises adware using Combo Cleaner:

DirectEnterprises adware removal:

Remove DirectEnterprises-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is also a threat to user privacy due to the data tracking abilities this software usually possesses. Furthermore, through adware-delivered ads - users can experience various severe issues.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of advertisements on visited sites and/or different interfaces.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, products, services, etc. Commission may be earned from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove DirectEnterprises adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate adware-type applications present on them. On the other hand, manual removal might not be ideal. In some cases, despite the software being (manually) removed - various file leftovers remain. Furthermore, such components can continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware immediately and 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.

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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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