Remove SwiftEngine adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is SwiftEngine?
The SwiftEngine app supposedly helps users to browse the web, however, it serves advertisements and gathers various data. Apps of this type are classified as adware. Furthermore, since most people do not download applications such as SwiftEngine intentionally, they are also known as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
If installed, adware-type applications display coupons, banners, surveys, pop-up ads, and/or other intrusive content on most or all opened websites. Adware commonly serves ads that redirect people who click them to dubious or even malicious websites. In some cases, they cause download/installation of PUAs by executing certain scripts.
In any case, it is not safe to click these advertisements. Research shows that this particular app can access sensitive information such as passwords, telephone numbers, credit card details and so on. Furthermore, it records browsing data (such as IP addresses, addresses of visited websites, entered search queries, etc.).
SwiftEngine's developers can misuse personal information to generate revenue, and thus users might become victims of identity theft, experience monetary loss, problems with privacy, browsing safety, and so on. The people responsible for this app might share the information with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
Name | Ads by SwiftEngine |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus. |
Detection Names | Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.Script.SearchExt.gen), ZoneAlarm by Check Point (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.Script.SearchExt.gen), Full List (VirusTotal) |
Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
SwiftEngine is very similar to other adware-type apps such as BeginnerData, ManagementMark, and FilterIdea. Generally, apps of this type serve unwanted ads, record various details, and do not deliver any real value. Most do not operate as advertised. To avoid possible problems due to installed adware, remove it from browsers and systems immediately.
How did SwiftEngine install on my computer?
Frequently, unwanted apps are downloaded and/or installed through intrusive advertisements that people click, or during download/installation of various software. Developers often include unwanted apps into the set-ups of other programs, but do not disclose information about it properly.
I.e., they hide offers to download or install additional apps in settings such as "Custom" and "Advanced" of the download/installation set-ups. This distribution method is called "bundling". Developers use to trick people into downloading and/or installing unwanted apps through the set-ups of regular software.
It often works, since many people fail to check or change the settings, thereby granting unwanted apps permission to be downloaded or installed by default.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
All software should be downloaded from official websites, especially if the software is free. Third party downloaders, installers, unofficial websites, Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule), and other sources should not be used to download or install files or programs.
If download or installation setup contains any settings such as "Custom", "Advanced", then they should not remain unchecked. The settings often include offers to download or install unwanted software, and should be dismissed before finishing download/installation.
Do not click ads that are displayed on dubious web pages. For example, on those relating to adult dating, gambling, pornography, and so on. These ads often lead to dubious web pages or cause unwanted downloads and installations. If there are any suspicious extensions, add-ons or plug-ins installed on the browser, remove them immediately.
The same applies to programs of this kind that are installed on the computer. If your computer is already infected with SwiftEngine, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SwiftEngine installation is complete:
SwiftEngine adware installed on Safari browser:
Installation folder of the SwiftEngine app:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is SwiftEngine?
- STEP 1. Remove SwiftEngine related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SwiftEngine ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SwiftEngine adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SwiftEngine ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SwiftEngine adware using Combo Cleaner:
SwiftEngine adware removal:
Remove SwiftEngine-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX", "NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove adware-related files and folders
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:
In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/
In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
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