Removing the MotionCycle adware from your operating system

What is MotionCycle?

MotionCycle is a rogue app that our researchers discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis of this piece of software revealed that it works as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

MotionCycle adware overview

Advertising-supported software (adware) enables the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These adverts endorse various scams, unreliable/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate products encountered through these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

However, even if MotionCycle (or other adware) does not deliver adverts due to incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, particular websites not being visited, or different specifics - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety regardless.

Furthermore, MotionCycle might have browser hijacker abilities, as they are often part of AdLoad adware. However, this app did not exhibit any browser-hijacking functionalities during testing.

What is more, advertising-supported software collects private data, and this is likely true of MotionCycle. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like MotionCycle on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by MotionCycle
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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

We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; RidgeWorld, RecordQuick, LuckyRelic, and PlanDevelopment are merely some of our newest finds. This software typically appears innocuous and offers "handy" functions. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

How did MotionCycle install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in adware distribution as well.

This software is also promoted through dubious download webpages and scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official and verified channels. Installation processes have to be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.

We advise exercising caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove MotionCycle adware using Combo Cleaner:

MotionCycle adware removal:

Remove MotionCycle-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 browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered to be a privacy threat, as this software usually has data tracking functionalities. Furthermore, adware-displayed advertisements promote dubious/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware operates by displaying advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can also force-open webpages and gather private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, products, services, and other content. Profit may be made in the form of commissions earned from ad clicks, webpage visits, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove MotionCycle adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning systems and eliminating installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - various file leftovers remain within the system. Furthermore, these remnants may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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