How to eliminate the DetailMatch adware from your Mac

What kind of application is DetailMatch?

Our researchers found DetailMatch while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. DetailMatch is part of the AdLoad malware family. This application is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns.

DetailMatch adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, banners, surveys, pop-ups, etc.) on visited sites or other interfaces.

Note that specific conditions may be necessary for adware to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). Yet regardless of whether DetailMatch delivers advertisements – its presence on a system threatens device/user safety.

Adware-displayed adverts can endorse various scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers seeking to obtain illegitimate commissions through the abuse of its affiliate programs.

Additionally, AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking abilities. However, we did not observe these qualities while testing DetailMatch.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually gathers sensitive information, and DetailMatch might have such data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, the presence of software like DetailMatch on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by DetailMatch
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.5), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.g), 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. ▼ 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

SyncGuide, DisplayVenture, ProcessField, and EngineMapper are but a few examples of our newest articles on adware. This software usually appears harmless and offers various functions. However, these functionalities rarely operate as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be mentioned that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.

How did DetailMatch install on my computer?

Adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. These pages are most commonly accessed via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to distribute advertising-supported software. Downloading from suspect sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.

Some intrusive adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent. These advertisements are utilized to spread adware as well.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, investigating available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of additional apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, while intrusive adverts look harmless – they redirect to unreliable and dubious webpages (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DetailMatch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

DetailMatch 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 DetailMatch?
• STEP 1. Remove DetailMatch related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove DetailMatch ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove DetailMatch adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove DetailMatch ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove DetailMatch adware using Combo Cleaner:

DetailMatch adware removal:

Remove DetailMatch-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Significant threats are posed by the content endorsed via adware-displayed advertisements (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. It typically runs intrusive advertisement campaigns, which entails displaying ads on various interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can force-open websites and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily by endorsing various sites, software, products, services, etc. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove DetailMatch adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type apps present. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, after the software has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion