How to Deal With DefaultArchive Adware

DefaultArchive is a malicious application that falls under the category of adware. Discovered during routine inspections of file submissions on VirusTotal, DefaultArchive is part of the AdLoad malware family, notorious for promoting unwanted advertisements and potentially compromising system security. Despite its seemingly harmless appearance, DefaultArchive is more than just an annoying pop-up generator. It poses a significant threat to both privacy and device safety. In this article, we will explore the nature of this threat, its symptoms, and its potential for harm.

Threat Summary

Category	Details
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.Generic.3193996), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j)
Symptoms	Slower system performance, unwanted pop-up ads, redirection to dubious websites
Damage	Privacy issues, internet browser tracking, data exposure, pop-up ads, redirection to malicious sites
Distribution Methods	Free software bundling, torrent downloads, deceptive pop-up ads
Danger Level	High – due to privacy risks, system slowdowns, and potential for further malware installation

DefaultArchive: What It Is

DefaultArchive is adware that functions primarily to generate revenue for its creators by displaying advertisements. While adware in itself is a common type of software, its presence on a device can have far-reaching consequences. DefaultArchive, like other adware, can inject intrusive ads into a user’s browsing experience, often in the form of banners, coupons, pop-ups, and overlays on websites, desktops, or different interfaces.

Adware of this kind usually operates by displaying third-party advertisements that may lead users to scam websites or unsafe software. These ads can often trigger malicious downloads or installations when clicked. Despite not displaying ads in every instance, DefaultArchive still poses a serious risk due to its data-tracking capabilities. It might collect sensitive data like browsing history, cookies, usernames, and even credit card details, which could be shared or sold to third parties.

Key Features of DefaultArchive

DefaultArchive is linked to several significant threats, making it more dangerous than ordinary adware. The main risks include:

1. Privacy Risks: DefaultArchive can collect sensitive personal data, which may include browsing histories, personal credentials, and even credit card numbers. This data is at risk of being sold or shared with malicious third parties.
2. Malware Exposure: The ads generated by DefaultArchive can promote various types of malware, including PUAs (potentially unwanted applications), ransomware, trojans, and browser hijackers. Some ads may even execute malicious scripts to stealthily install more harmful software on a device.
3. System Performance Issues: Users who encounter DefaultArchive on their systems might notice significant slowdowns. This could be due to the software’s persistent ads and the additional processes running in the background.
4. Browser Hijacking: While DefaultArchive does not exhibit direct browser hijacking capabilities, applications from the AdLoad family often have this feature. The risk of exposure to harmful redirects and dubious websites is still significant.

Symptoms of Infection

Upon infection with DefaultArchive, users may begin noticing a variety of symptoms. These may include:

• Slower-than-normal system performance: As the adware runs in the background, it can consume system resources, leading to noticeable slowdowns.
• Unwanted pop-up advertisements: These ads might appear while browsing or even when the user is not actively engaged with their device.
• Redirection to suspicious websites: Users may experience being redirected to malicious or dubious websites that could compromise their security further.

Distribution Methods

DefaultArchive adware typically spreads through a variety of deceptive techniques:

• Deceptive pop-up ads: These pop-ups encourage users to download free applications that are often bundled with DefaultArchive.
• Free software installers: DefaultArchive is often bundled with free applications or games that users unknowingly install.
• Torrent file downloads: Like many types of malware, DefaultArchive can be distributed through torrent downloads, posing a risk to users who rely on unverified sources for files.

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.

Conclusion

DefaultArchive is a serious threat that combines traditional adware tactics with more insidious privacy and security risks. The adware’s primary goal is to generate revenue by displaying unwanted ads, but it can also introduce more dangerous threats like malware or data breaches. It may not display ads at all times, but its potential for harm remains significant. Users should be cautious when downloading free software from untrusted sources and be wary of any pop-up ads or suspicious redirects that appear during browsing sessions.