Removing the EngineFlow adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is EngineFlow?
While looking through new submissions to VirusTotal, our researchers discovered the EngineFlow application. After analyzing this app, we learned that it is adware. Additionally, we determined that EngineFlow belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
EngineFlow adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (adverts) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
The displayed ads promote various scams, unreliable/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can perform downloads/installations without user consent - upon being clicked.
Note that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It must be mentioned that advertising-supported software may not deliver adverts if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if EngineFlow does not display ads - its presence endangers device and user safety.
AdLoad adware tends to have browser-hijacking features, and this might be true of EngineFlow - although we did not observe any such traits during testing.
Furthermore, EngineFlow likely has data-tracking functionalities. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected information can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like EngineFlow on devices - can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by EngineFlow |
| 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.j), 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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type apps; MainSignSearch, EssentialModule, and ModuleUpgrade are just a few examples.
This software usually appears legitimate and harmless. Users are lured into download/installation with promises of various functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did EngineFlow install on my computer?
Advertising-supported software can have "official" download pages, and it is spread through scam sites. Users primarily enter websites of this type through redirects caused by mistyped URLs, webpages using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate this software as well. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations. Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution.
Adware can also be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching products before downloading, installing, or purchasing them. All downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. We advise being careful with installation processes by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additional apps, tools, extensions, etc.
Another recommendation is to be cautious when browsing since fake and malicious online material usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EngineFlow, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once EngineFlow adware's installation is over:
EngineFlow 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 EngineFlow?
- STEP 1. Remove EngineFlow related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove EngineFlow ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove EngineFlow adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove EngineFlow ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove EngineFlow adware using Combo Cleaner:
EngineFlow adware removal:
Remove EngineFlow-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 displays ads that not only decrease browsing quality but also promote malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it typically gathers vulnerable data.
What does adware do?
Adware operates by displaying adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. It may also be capable of causing redirects and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove EngineFlow adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (performed without aid from security software) might not be effective. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed - various components (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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