How to eliminate LuckyRelic adware and the ads it delivers

What is LuckyRelic?

While looking through new submissions to VirusTotal, our researchers discovered the LuckyRelic rogue application. Our analysis revealed that this app operates as advertising-supported software (adware) and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

LuckyRelic adware overview

Adware can require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether LuckyRelic displays advertisements or not - its presence endangers device and user safety.

Adware-delivered adverts promote unreliable/hazardous websites and software, online scams, and malware. Some intrusive ads can make stealthy downloads/installations - once clicked on.

It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

LuckyRelic might have browser hijacker qualities since they are often part of AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during testing.

Furthermore, LuckyRelic likely has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software usually gathers browsing-related data, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of software like LuckyRelic on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by LuckyRelic
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27090), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), McAfee (RDN/Generic.osx), Full List (VirusTotal)
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

PlanDevelopment, ExecutiveMethod, and LinearRadial are merely a few examples of the adware-type applications that we have analyzed recently. This software typically appears ordinary and offers "useful" features. However, these functionalities rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.

How did LuckyRelic install on my computer?

Adware is promoted through dubious download pages and scam websites. Most access sites of this kind via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, webpages that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software is also bundled (packed together with) regular programs. Download from untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Additionally, adware is spread through intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent. Fake Adobe Flash Player updater/installers are used in distribution as well.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official and verified sources. Installation has to be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.

We advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content typically looks harmless. For example, intrusive adverts appear legitimate - however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).

In case of encounters with such advertisements/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with LuckyRelic, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove LuckyRelic adware using Combo Cleaner:

LuckyRelic adware removal:

Remove LuckyRelic-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It typically has data tracking functionalities that make advertising-supported software a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-delivered ads promote harmful content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited sites and/or different interfaces. This software may also cause redirects to dangerous webpages and gather private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate most of their profit through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, and so on.

Will Combo Cleaner remove LuckyRelic adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - various files stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, such components might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, adware must be eliminated thoroughly.

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