How to remove DominantNetwork adware-type app from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is DominantNetwork?
Our research team discovered the DominantNetwork adware-type app while checking out new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. This application is part of the AdLoad malware family. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns.
DominantNetwork adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, overlays, surveys, etc.) on various interfaces.
These advertisements predominantly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Note that any genuine products or services encountered through these ads – are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver ad campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether DominantNetwork displays advertisements – the app's presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
While AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking functionalities, we did not observe these abilities while examining DominantNetwork.
Adware usually gathers private information, and this might be true of DominantNetwork. Targeted data may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like DominantNetwork on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DominantNetwork |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), 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), 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 numerous adware-type apps; DefaultBoost, DesktopMapper, and ConnectionProjector are merely a few examples.
Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious. It tends to look legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into downloading/installing the software by promises of various handy functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did DominantNetwork install on my computer?
The bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is commonly used to distribute adware.
Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users primarily access these pages via redirects caused by websites that employ rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DominantNetwork, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DominantNetwork adware's installation is over:
DominantNetwork adware's 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 DominantNetwork?
- STEP 1. Remove DominantNetwork related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DominantNetwork ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DominantNetwork adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DominantNetwork ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DominantNetwork adware using Combo Cleaner:
DominantNetwork adware removal:
Remove DominantNetwork-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 delivers adverts that promote harmful content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DominantNetwork adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, various file leftovers stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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