DefaultTool

DefaultTool is adware and a browser hijacker, which may display advertisements in different formats, track Web-browsing activity, or redirect users to other websites. Since it's a probable source of security issues, most users should remove it on sight. Any macOS-compatible anti-adware solutions should easily remove DefaultTool installations.

A Tool for Taking Mac Browsers to Undesirable Places

Advertising software (AKA adware), browser hijackers (browser-redirecting and settings-changing software), and other Potentially Unwanted Programs are an unquestioned majority of security products' detected potential threats on Mac computers. As of 2021, macOS users have as much reason for worrying over unwanted advertisements and ad-promoting programs as their Windows equivalents elsewhere. DefaultTool is another manifestation of this recurring pest in software.

DefaultTool is a combination of adware and browser hijacker, as is common for PUPs of its family. Distribution and installation routines usually involve Adload – an adware-based Trojan downloader. The Trojan also may install other adware, such as Configtype, StandBoost, FormatBoost, SkilledObject and others. All of them share common, browser-affecting behavior and symptoms, such as pop-ups, redirecting Web searches, or inserting advertisements (such as an 'Ads by DefaultTool' thumbnail).

While it's not a Trojan and doesn't conduct deeply-invasive attacks like opening a backdoor vulnerability, DefaultTool is to the disadvantage of the user's browsing safety. advertisements from it may endanger users by loading fake software updates, tactics like fraudulent contests, or, in the worst cases, drive-by-download attacks and sophisticated Exploit Kits. For preventing the latter, malware experts recommend that users turn off features like Java, JavaScript, and Flash, limit scripts to trustworthy domains, and update their software (a valuable step in removing vulnerabilities).

Defaulting to Browsers with Fewer Advertisements

Based on their overtly inconvenient symptoms, most users should be on guard against PUPs like DefaultTool already. However, DefaultTool also may trigger additional alerts from security solutions unintentionally. Repeating 'DefaultToold will damage your computer' prompts also are signs that not all of its components are gone from the affected computer, which is likely in cases where users try removing DefaultTool without dedicated anti-adware solutions or a cyber-security specialist's help.

Most Adload Trojans use fake or bundled downloads, such as movie player updates circulating through torrents or hosted on piracy-related websites. Because of the dangers of trafficking in illegal files, malware researchers recommend that Web surfers stick to legal and safer downloads, such as curated application storefronts. There still is a high chance of security services identifying the threat and blocking DefaultTool's installation, assuming that users scan their download before they open it.

If preventing an installation isn't possible, users should limit using their browsers until they can have a compatible anti-adware service remove DefaultTool. Further system scans for deleting Adload and related threats also should be heavily considered under normal circumstances.

DefaultTool is an efficient tool at promoting advertisements, but not for making itself a valuable part of any Web surfer's content. There's little reason for letting adware take over Safari or any other browser when removing it – or preventing its appearance at all – should be easy for everyone.