Removing DynamicGrid adware and the advertisements it displays

What is DynamicGrid?

DynamicGrid is an application that our researchers classified as advertising-supported software (adware). Additionally, they have determined that DynamicGrid belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

DynamicGrid adware overview

After being successfully installed onto our test machine, DynamicGrid began delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., displaying advertisements). It must be mentioned that adware may require certain conditions to be met (e.g., compatible device/browser, visits to particular sites, etc.) - to run intrusive ad campaigns. Regardless of whether DynamicGrid deliver ads or not, its presence on a system still endangers device integrity and user safety.

The advertisements displayed by adware typically endorse various scams, untrustworthy/harmful websites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to download/install software without user consent.

While it is possible to encounter legitimate products through these ads, it is improbable that their developers promote them in this manner. Scammers who abuse affiliate programs often use this marketing method to acquire illegitimate commissions.

DynamicGrid may have browser hijacker qualities as they are common for AdLoad adware, although we have not observed such behavior during testing.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data tracking functionalities; hence, DynamicGrid may have them as well. Adware gathers users' browsing data, personally identifiable details, banking/financial information, etc. - with the goal of selling it to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of DynamicGrid or similar software on devices - can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by DynamicGrid
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Additional Information	This application belongs to Adload malware family.
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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware examples

We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; AthenaResults, PlatformCache, and ViewsAdjustable are just a couple of the latest ones. This software appears harmless and offers "advantageous" features. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

How did DynamicGrid install on my computer?

Our research team discovered DynamicGrid while inspecting deceptive websites offering fake Adobe Flash Player updates. The downloaded updater installed this piece of software onto our test system.

However, advertising-supported software can be spread using a wide variety of dubious distribution methods. In addition to scam websites, it can have "official" promotional/download pages. Sites that distribute this software can be accessed variously, primarily via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by webpages that use rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Bundling - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions - is also used to proliferate adware. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party download sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Additionally, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to stealthily download/install adware (and other undesirable software) - once clicked.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading from official and verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with care; i.e., it is important to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.

We also recommend exercising caution when browsing, as fraudulent and malicious material usually looks innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements appear harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., pornography, adult-dating, gambling, etc.).

If you experience adverts and/or redirects of this kind, inspect your device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DynamicGrid, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once DynamicGrid adware's installation is over:

DynamicGrid adware's installation folder:

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 DynamicGrid?
• STEP 1. Remove DynamicGrid related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove DynamicGrid ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove DynamicGrid adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove DynamicGrid ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove DynamicGrid adware using Combo Cleaner:

DynamicGrid adware removal:

Remove DynamicGrid-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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can decrease system performance and browsing quality. It is also considered to be a privacy threat, as this software usually has data tracking abilities. Adware-delivered advertisements often are deceptive/malicious and can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Adware may also force-open suspect websites and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate most of their profit through affiliate programs by earning commissions from promoting various sites, products, services, and similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove DynamicGrid adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type applications present. On the other hand, manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware itself is (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay in the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.

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