Removing EnginePro adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is EnginePro?
While checking out the new submissions to the VirusTotal website, our research team found the EnginePro app. Following our examination, we determined that this application is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. EnginePro operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns and may have other harmful abilities.
EnginePro adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary function is to enable the placement of ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, coupons, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
The advertisements mainly endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some of these adverts can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It must be mentioned that while legitimate products/services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be necessary for adware to run intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser or system, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if EnginePro does not display advertisements – its presence on a system remains a threat.
Additionally, this rogue application might have browser-hijacking qualities, as they are standard for AdLoad adware. Although, the app did not exhibit any such traits during testing.
Furthermore, EnginePro likely collects sensitive user information. Advertising-supported software usually targets the following data: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. This vulnerable information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like EnginePro on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by EnginePro |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 ( A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchp), 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), 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
CenterNow, AnalyzeHelper, FreshPlatform, and CosmoLoop are just some examples of adware-type applications we have examined recently.
This software typically appears legitimate and offers various handy functionalities. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did EnginePro install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is often promoted on scam sites. Most users enter such pages via redirects generated by websites that are used rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to distribute advertising-supported software. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Furthermore, intrusive advertisements proliferate adware. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Additionally, it is crucial to approach installation with care. Therefore, we advise reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears ordinary and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
Should you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EnginePro, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once EnginePro adware's installation is over:
EnginePro 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 EnginePro?
- STEP 1. Remove EnginePro related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove EnginePro ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove EnginePro adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove EnginePro ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove EnginePro adware using Combo Cleaner:
EnginePro adware removal:
Remove EnginePro-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 also enables the placement of advertisements on various interfaces, which promote harmful content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, this software typically has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on various interfaces. Additionally, some adware-types can generate redirects and gather vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove EnginePro adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and remove detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, these remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, adware must be eliminated thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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