How to remove the SpaceEnergy adware from your operating system

What is SpaceEnergy?

Our researchers discovered yet another app belonging to the AdLoad malware family - named SpaceEnergy - during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. This application operates as advertising-supported software (adware), i.e., it delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns. Additionally, SpaceEnergy might have browser-hijacking and data tracking functionalities.

SpaceEnergy adware overview

Adware enables the placement of various advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These ads endorse online scams, fraudulent/harmful apps, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

It has to be mentioned that any legitimate content encountered through these ads is most likely promoted by scammers abusing its affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not display advertisements if certain conditions are unstable, like incompatible browser/systems, specific sites are not visited, etc. However, regardless of whether SpaceEnergy runs intrusive ad campaigns - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

AdLoad adware often has browser hijacker traits; however, SpaceEnergy did not exhibit any during our analysis. Furthermore, this app likely collects private data.

Software of this kind usually gathers the following information: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by SpaceEnergy
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.26935), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Fortinet (Adware/Synataeb!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

StepWarrior, CacheOptimization, and AnalyzerState are merely a few examples of the adware we have analyzed. Advertising-supported software typically looks ordinary and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation with various "useful" functions, which are rarely operational.

How did SpaceEnergy install on my computer?

"Bundling" - packing regular installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions - is used to distribute adware. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, etc.) - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in adware proliferation. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.

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

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading it from official and verified sources. Furthermore, when installing, it is crucial to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.

We advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content typically appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements appear harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove SpaceEnergy adware using Combo Cleaner:

SpaceEnergy adware removal:

Remove SpaceEnergy-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 diminishes the browsing experience and system performance. In addition to being a threat to device integrity, it endangers user privacy - since this software usually has data tracking abilities. Furthermore, adware-displayed advertisements promote deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware displays ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and collect private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates most of the revenue through affiliate programs in the form of commissions earned for promoting various websites, apps, products, services, and so forth.

Will Combo Cleaner remove SpaceEnergy adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - various components (files) remain within the system. These remnants may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, adware must be eliminated thoroughly.

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