Removing the DoubleCache adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is DoubleCache?
Our research team discovered the DoubleCache application while investigating new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. It is worth noting that DoubleCache is part of the AdLoad malware family.
DoubleCache adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, and other ads) on various interfaces.
These advertisements promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products/services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by their developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive ad campaigns if specific conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system, particular websites are not visited, etc.). However, even if DoubleCache does not display advertisements – its presence on a system threatens device/user safety.
This application might have browser hijacker abilities as they are common to AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during our analysis.
What is more, DoubleCache gathers private information. Data of interest includes: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can then be monetized through sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like DoubleCache on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DoubleCache |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchprox), 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), 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. |
Adware examples
We have investigated countless adware-type apps; SearchEmpire, EliteMaximus, and ViewpointTools are just a few examples. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. It also offers a wide variety of useful features, which are rarely operational. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did DoubleCache install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users primarily access such webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware.
Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software before downloading/installing it. Additionally, installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).
We advise caution while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep encountering ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DoubleCache, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DoubleCache adware's installation is over:
DoubleCache adware's installation folder:
DoubleCache adware installed onto a Safari browser:
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 DoubleCache?
- STEP 1. Remove DoubleCache related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DoubleCache ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DoubleCache adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DoubleCache ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DoubleCache adware using Combo Cleaner:
DoubleCache adware removal:
Remove DoubleCache-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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware displays advertisements that promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software may also decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is considered to be a privacy threat since adware usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on visited sites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is generated through affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DoubleCache adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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