How to eliminate the DriveDataCache adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is DriveDataCache?
DriveDataCache is an adware-type app discovered by our researchers during a routine investigation of new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. This piece of software is part of the AdLoad malware family. It is designed to feed users with undesirable and potentially malicious advertisements.
DriveDataCache adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, surveys, etc.) primarily endorses online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and even malware. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products and services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are highly unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to deliver intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular websites, etc.). Regardless of whether DriveDataCache displays adverts – its presence on a system remains a threat.
AdLoad applications may have browser-hijacking abilities, but we did not observe these functionalities while investigating DriveDataCache.
Adware usually gathers private information, and this might apply to the DriveDataCache app. Targeted data can include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like DriveDataCache on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DriveDataCache |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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
DominantNetwork, DefaultBoost, DesktopMapper, and CommonBusiness are merely some examples of adware we have examined recently.
Advertising-supported software seldom appears suspicious; it tends to look legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into downloading/installing this software by promises of advantageous features, which are usually fake and nonoperational.
Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did DriveDataCache install on my computer?
The bundling marketing tactic – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is often used to distribute adware.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, adware is endorsed through its "official" promotional webpages and scam sites. Users predominantly enter these pages via redirects generated by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive adverts. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and ordinary. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering adverts/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DriveDataCache, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DriveDataCache adware's installation is over:
DriveDataCache 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 DriveDataCache?
- STEP 1. Remove DriveDataCache related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DriveDataCache ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DriveDataCache adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DriveDataCache ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DriveDataCache adware using Combo Cleaner:
DriveDataCache adware removal:
Remove DriveDataCache-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 may decrease browsing quality and system performance. It delivers advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. 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 display ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open websites and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting websites, applications, extensions, products, services, etc. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DriveDataCache adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, various file leftovers stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion