How to remove the DefaultView adware-type application from your system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is DefaultView?
Our research team found the DefaultView application while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal site. Upon examination, it became evident that DefaultView is adware from the AdLoad malware family. This app runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and might possess other harmful capabilities.
DefaultView adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It generates revenue by feeding users with unwanted and potentially hazardous advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, overlays, etc.) can be displayed on visited webpages or other interfaces.
It is noteworthy that specific conditions may be necessary for this software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether DefaultView delivers intrusive advert campaigns – the app remains a threat to system security and user privacy.
Adware-delivered ads can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and even malware. Some of the adverts can carry out stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products/services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. This promotion is likely undertaken by scammers who are motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the affiliate programs of endorsed content.
While AdLoad adware commonly possesses browser-hijacking functionalities – the DefaultView application did not exhibit such qualities during testing.
Additionally, advertising-supported software typically collects sensitive user data, and this might apply to DefaultView. Gathered information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, software like DefaultView may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DefaultView |
| 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
We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; DiscoveryAdmin, IndexerAdmin, MetroBrowser, and IndexerTask are just some of our newest articles on applications within this classification.
Adware rarely looks illegitimate or otherwise suspicious – it tends to appear genuine and innocuous. Users may be lured into downloading/installing this software by promises of various "advantageous" functionalities. These functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Remember that even if a piece of software operates exactly as advertised – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.
How did DefaultView install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Downloading from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspect sources – poses a threat of bundled content infiltrating the device. This is compounded by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional webpages and scam sites. They are predominantly accessed via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive ads. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software before downloading or purchasing it. We recommend downloading only from official and trustworthy channels. When installing, it is important to study terms and options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, features, and so on.
We advise vigilance when browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears harmless. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive adverts redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., pornography, scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering ads/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DefaultView, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DefaultView adware's installation is over:
DefaultView 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
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Quick menu:
- What is DefaultView?
- STEP 1. Remove DefaultView related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DefaultView ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DefaultView adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DefaultView ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
DefaultView adware removal:
Remove DefaultView-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?
The presence of adware may result in a diminished browsing experience and system performance. Significant threats are posed by the content promoted through adware-displayed advertisements (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. The software's main functions can include enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces, force-opening sites, and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue via content promotion (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.). The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. The majority of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DefaultView adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be thorough enough. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues.
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