How to Remove DevFrame Adware from Your Mac

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Overview

While analyzing recent file submissions on the VirusTotal platform, cybersecurity researchers uncovered a suspicious application named DevFrame. Upon further inspection, it was identified as adware – a type of advertising-supported software designed to generate revenue through intrusive ads and potentially harmful content. DevFrame is part of the AdLoad malware family, a known cluster of threats that target macOS systems specifically.

Though DevFrame might initially appear harmless or even useful, it poses multiple risks to users, including data tracking, unwanted pop-ups, browser slowdowns, and redirects to unsafe websites. Even if the application doesn’t display ads on your system, its mere presence indicates a potential compromise of your device’s integrity and your personal data.

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What is DevFrame Adware?

DevFrame functions primarily as adware. Once installed, it may flood your web experience with various ads—pop-ups, banners, overlays, surveys, and more. These advertisements can appear across different interfaces, including browsers and desktop applications. The goal is to trick users into clicking them, redirecting them to questionable sites or prompting malicious downloads.

Importantly, even if no obvious ads are shown, DevFrame still presents a threat. Adware from the AdLoad family often collects user information silently, potentially harvesting search history, login credentials, banking information, and other personal data. This information can be monetized or exposed through data breaches.

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Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Name	Ads by DevFrame
Threat Type	Adware, Mac Malware, Mac Virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h)
Associated Emails	Not Applicable
Symptoms of Infection	Slower system performance, frequent pop-ups, browser redirects to shady sites
Damage	Loss of private information, display of unwanted ads, privacy invasion
Distribution Methods	Deceptive pop-ups, software bundling, torrent file downloads
Danger Level	High – due to privacy violations, potential malware installs, and fraud

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Why DevFrame is a Serious Threat

Even though DevFrame might not show immediate signs of malicious behavior, its affiliation with the AdLoad malware family and potential data-harvesting features make it dangerous. Adware often acts as a gateway for more severe threats, including trojans, ransomware, and phishing scams. Clicking on any ad served by this software could lead to automatic downloads of additional malware or exposure to scam websites that attempt to steal financial or personal details.

Moreover, cybercriminals behind such campaigns often join affiliate programs to generate fraudulent commissions from your clicks—meaning even seemingly legitimate websites promoted through these ads may not be trustworthy.

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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.

Conclusion

DevFrame may masquerade as a legitimate application, but it operates as dangerous adware with links to the notorious AdLoad malware family. Even if it doesn’t display ads immediately, its ability to track user data, slow down system performance, and facilitate redirects to harmful sites makes it a significant risk to both your Mac’s health and your personal privacy. Recognizing the signs early and understanding the damage potential is crucial in safeguarding your data and devices from such deceptive threats.