How To Remove DataFile Adware From Mac

DataFile: Step-by-step Uninstall Guide

DataFile is a browser-based application that updates the browser’s default search engine and homepage and installs new components to it. In general, it will make certain modifications without acquiring consent from the users. It’s not some sort of virus and doesn’t cause serious damage to the Mac computers. By default, it’s an online advertising program that is specialized in generating multiple pop-up ads, banners, and online promotions on the screen of the compromised devices. This potentially unwanted application redirects users to sponsored sites that pay its creators for their traffic.

DataFile Carries Out Various Malicious Deeds:

Because of the purpose of DataFile adware is to boost traffic to its affiliated sites, the search results provided by the altered engine generally include link to some predefined URLs and connect directly to partnering sites. When a software piece like this runs on the Mac, many people are not able to use their browser normally. They complain about being redirected to various domains that is quite irritating and also say that they cannot uninstall or remove the fake search engine and the homepage components that are responsible for these reroutes effectively.

DataFile causes persistent stream of on-screen ads, pop-ups, banners and alerts that cannot be avoided by any means which is another cause for browsing disturbance. Oftentimes, users have no choice but to click on these commercial materials in order to go on with browsing the page they are on. Nevertheless, interacting with such random messages is not worthwhile as they may take you to portals infected with Trojans, ransomware, viruses and other malware. DataFile is in general not a devastating parasite, but if it remains on their Mac device, it may risk unintentional exposure to various sketchy web materials.

Data tracking is yet another PUP trait that should encourage victims to remove DataFile adware from Mac. In the background, these intruders tend to record users’ information like their search queries, locations, IP addresses, browsing history and so on. The gathered data is then monetized by being sold to other interested parties and can be utilized for generating personalized advertisements, hence users are more likely to click on them. Bear in mind that if the information collected by DataFile includes your personal data like your credit card details, scammers can misuse it for making fraudulent transactions, unauthorized purchases, and other deceptive motives.

DataFile Spread Through Software Bundling:

One of the most common potentially unwanted program distribution techniques is software bundling. This method has been used by legitimate software providers as well. The genuine bundle would display you exactly what you are being offered and give you a clear sign of where to turn down that offer. On the other hand, when dealing with misleading bundles, you might find those additional contents are hidden under pre-ticked boxes, Quick or Recommended settings, fine print, and other unfair practices.

So, if you want to avoid such unwanted penetrations, choose only Custom or Advanced installation setting. Here, you will be able to see the entire list of bundled objects and opt-out those that are not required. Also, stay away from random ads that show up on third-party sites while you are browsing as they may show fake update notifications and try to deceive you into installing PUPs or even malware. At present, remove DataFile from the Mac by following the complete removal steps down below.

Remove Files and Folders Related to DataFile

Open the “Menu” bar and click the “Finder” icon. Select “Go” and click on “Go to Folder…”

Step 1: Search the suspicious and doubtful malware generated files in /Library/LaunchAgents folder

Type /Library/LaunchAgents in the “Go to Folder” option

In the “Launch Agent” folder, search for all the files that you have recently downloaded and move them to “Trash”. Few of the examples of files created by browser-hijacker or adware are as follow, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.Itvbit.plist”, installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, and “kuklorest.update.plist” and so on.

Step 2: Detect and remove the files generated by the adware in “/Library/Application” Support folder

In the “Go to Folder..bar”, type “/Library/Application Support”

Search for any suspicious newly added folders in “Application Support” folder. If you detect any one of these like “NicePlayer” or “MPlayerX” then send them to “Trash” folder.

Step 3: Look for the files generated by malware in /Library/LaunchAgent Folder:

Go to Folder bar and type /Library/LaunchAgents

You are in the “LaunchAgents” folder. Here, you have to search for all the newly added files and move them to “Trash” if you find them suspicious. Some of the examples of suspicious files generated by malware are “myppes.download.plist”, “installmac.AppRemoved.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist” and so on.

Step4: Go to /Library/LaunchDaemons Folder and search for the files created by malware

Type /Library/LaunchDaemons in the “Go To Folder” option

In the newly opened “LaunchDaemons” folder, search for any recently added suspicious files and move them to “Trash”. Examples of some of the suspicious files are “com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preference.plist”, “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist” and so on.

Step 5: Use Combo Cleaner Anti-Malware and Scan your Mac PC

The malware infections could be removed from the Mac PC if you execute all the steps mentioned above in the correct way. However, it is always advised to be sure that your PC is not infected. It is suggested to scan the work-station with “Combo Cleaner Anti-virus”.

Once the file gets downloaded, double click on combocleaner.dmg installer in the newly opened window. Next is to open the “Launchpad” and press on “Combo Cleaner” icon. It is advised to wait until “Combo Cleaner” updates the latest definition for malware detection. Click on “Start Combo Scan” button.

A depth scan of your Mac PC will be executed in order to detect malware. If the Anti-virus scan report says “no threat found” then you can continue with guide further. On the other hand, it is recommended to delete the detected malware infection before continuing.

Now the files and folders created by the adware is removed, you have to remove the rogue extensions from the browsers.

Remove DataFile from Internet Browsers

Delete Doubtful and Malicious Extension from Safari

Go to “Menu Bar” and open “Safari” browser. Select “Safari” and then “Preferences”

In the opened “preferences” window, select “Extensions” that you have recently installed. All such extensions should be detected and click the “Uninstall” button next to it. If you are doubtful then you can remove all the extensions from “Safari” browser as none of them are important for smooth functionality of the browser.

In case if you continue facing unwanted webpage redirections or aggressive advertisements bombarding, you can reset the “Safari” browser.

“Reset Safari”

Open the Safari menu and choose “preferences…” from the drop-down menu.

Go to the “Extension” tab and set the extension slider to “Off” position. This disables all the installed extensions in the Safari browser

Next step is to check the homepage. Go to “Preferences…” option and choose “General” tab. Change the homepage to your preferred URL.

Also check the default search-engine provider settings. Go to “Preferences…” window and select the “Search” tab and select the search-engine provider that you want such as “Google”.

Next is to clear the Safari browser Cache- Go to “Preferences…” window and select “Advanced” tab and click on “Show develop menu in the menu bar.“

Go to “Develop” menu and select “Empty Caches”.

Remove website data and browsing history. Go to “Safari” menu and select “Clear History and Website Data”. Choose “all history” and then click on “Clear History”.

Remove Unwanted and Malicious Plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox

Delete DataFile add-ons from Mozilla Firefox

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser. Click on the “Open Menu” present in the top right corner of the screen. From the newly opened menu, choose “Add-ons”.

Go to “Extension” option and detect all the latest installed add-ons. Select each of the suspicious add-ons and click on “Remove” button next to them.

In case if you want to “reset” the Mozilla Firefox browser then follow the steps that has been mentioned below.

Reset Mozilla Firefox Settings

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser and click on “Firefox” button situated at the top left corner of the screen.

In the new menu, go to “Help” sub-menu and choose “Troubleshooting Information”

In the “Troubleshooting Information” page, click on “Reset Firefox” button.

Confirm that you want to reset the Mozilla Firefox settings to default by pressing on “Reset Firefox” option

The browser will get restarted and the settings changes to factory default

Delete Unwanted and Malicious Extensions from Google Chrome

Open the chrome browser and click on “Chrome menu”. From the drop down option, choose “More Tools” and then “Extensions”.

In the “Extensions” option, search for all the recently installed add-ons and extensions. Select them and choose “Trash” button. Any third-party extension is not important for the smooth functionality of the browser.

Reset Google Chrome Settings

Open the browser and click on three line bar at the top right side corner of the window.

Go to the bottom of the newly opened window and select “Show advanced settings”.

In the newly opened window, scroll down to the bottom and choose “Reset browser settings”

Click on the “Reset” button on the opened “Reset browser settings” window

Restart the browser and the changes you get will be applied

The above mentioned manual process should be executed as it is mentioned. It is a cumbersome process and requires a lot of technical expertise. And hence it is advised for technical experts only. To be sure that your PC is free from malware, it is better that you scan the work-station with a powerful anti-malware tool. The automatic malware removal application is preferred because it doesn’t requires any additional technical skills and expertise.

Download the application and execute it on the PC to begin the depth scanning. Once the scanning gets completed, it shows the list of all the files related to DataFile. You can select such harmful files and folders and remove them immediately.