How to Remove DigitalApplication Adware from Your Mac

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Adware threats continue to plague Mac systems, with one of the latest culprits being DigitalApplication — a rogue program identified by cybersecurity researchers while monitoring submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Upon closer inspection, DigitalApplication has been classified as adware from the notorious AdLoad malware family, a group known for its deceptive behaviors, data tracking capabilities, and disruptive advertising tactics.

Though it might look like a harmless app, DigitalApplication is designed with one goal in mind: to generate revenue through aggressive ad placements, often at the expense of user privacy and system performance.

DigitalApplication Adware Overview

Attribute	Details
Threat Name	DigitalApplication
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Associated Emails	None detected
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j)
Symptoms of Infection	Sluggish system performance, pop-up ads, redirects to shady sites
Distribution Methods	Free software bundling, deceptive pop-up ads, torrent downloads
Damage Caused	Data harvesting, identity theft risk, unwanted ads, loss of privacy
Malware Family	AdLoad
Danger Level	High

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What is DigitalApplication Adware?

DigitalApplication is a form of advertising-supported software that operates by displaying intrusive advertisements such as pop-ups, overlays, banners, and fake coupon deals. These ads are not just annoying — they often promote scams, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and even malware. Some ads may be programmed to initiate hidden downloads or redirect users to phishing pages or untrustworthy software promotions.

Although DigitalApplication may appear to function silently, the risk lies not only in visible ads but also in covert data tracking. This adware may monitor user activity, harvest sensitive information like visited websites, search history, usernames, passwords, and even payment card details, then sell or share it with third parties.

Unlike some other AdLoad family members, DigitalApplication did not display browser-hijacking traits in tests. However, its core functionality still poses significant risks, including slowing down your Mac, degrading browsing quality, and exposing your data to cybercriminals.

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Method 1: Manually Removing Adware from Your Mac

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Applications

1. Open Finder and navigate to Applications.
2. Carefully review the list and look for applications you don’t recognize or didn’t install.
3. Drag any suspicious applications to the Trash.
4. Empty the Trash to ensure they’re permanently removed.
5. Open System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items.
6. Remove any unknown startup programs by selecting them and clicking the - button.

Step 2: Remove Unwanted Browser Extensions

Safari

1. Open Safari and click Safari > Preferences > Extensions.
2. Look for any extensions you don’t recognize and uninstall them.
3. Go to History > “Clear History” to remove traces of adware-related activity.

Google Chrome

1. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Extensions.
2. Find any unfamiliar extensions and remove them.
3. Reset Chrome by going to Settings > Reset settings > “Restore settings to their original defaults.”

Mozilla Firefox

1. Click the three-line menu and go to Add-ons and themes.
2. Remove any unknown extensions.
3. Reset Firefox via Help > More troubleshooting information > “Refresh Firefox.”

Step 3: Delete Malicious Files and Folders

1. Open Finder, press Shift + Command + G, and enter the following locations:
   • ~/Library/Application Support/
   • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
   • ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/
   • ~/Library/Preferences/
2. Look for suspicious files and remove them.

Step 4: Clear Your DNS Cache

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type the following command and hit Enter:
3. Enter your administrator password if prompted.

Step 5: Restart Your Mac

Restart your Mac to finalize the removal process.

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Method 2: Automatically Remove Adware with SpyHunter for Mac

If you prefer a hassle-free solution, SpyHunter for Mac can detect and eliminate adware efficiently.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Click the link below to download SpyHunter for Mac: Download SpyHunter Here.

Step 2: Install and Set Up SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded .dmg file.
2. Drag SpyHunter into the Applications folder.
3. Launch SpyHunter and allow it to update its malware definitions.

Step 3: Run a Full System Scan

1. Open SpyHunter.
2. Click Start Scan.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and review the detected threats.
4. Click Fix Threats to remove any adware found on your system.

Step 4: Restart Your Mac

Once SpyHunter has completed the removal, restart your Mac to ensure all traces of adware are gone.

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Why DigitalApplication Is Dangerous

While some users might dismiss adware as a mere nuisance, the dangers of DigitalApplication run deeper than annoying pop-ups. This software could open doors to identity theft, financial fraud, and serious privacy violations.

The collected data from infected machines can be monetized by shady affiliates or sold on underground markets. Even when DigitalApplication appears dormant or inactive, it can still operate in the background, silently gathering data and preparing ad campaigns that match the user’s behavior.

And though legitimate services or brands may sometimes be featured in its ads, these are often used without authorization. Scammers frequently exploit affiliate marketing systems to illegitimately profit from user clicks or purchases.

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Conclusion

If you spot symptoms like constant ad bombardments, slow Mac performance, or suspicious redirects while browsing, DigitalApplication adware might be the cause. As part of the AdLoad malware family, it is far more than a simple annoyance — it is a privacy-invasive, revenue-driven threat that can have long-term implications on your data security.

Acting swiftly upon detection is crucial, and users are encouraged to use reliable anti-malware tools and keep a watchful eye on bundled installations from unverified sources.