Removal instructions for the DynamicExplorer adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is DynamicExplorer?
While investigating new file submissions to the VirusTotal website, our researchers discovered the DynamicExplorer application. After inspecting it, we determined that DynamicExplorer is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
DynamicExplorer adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and potentially harmful ads. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, surveys, etc.) is displayed on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
Adware-delivered adverts primarily promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some of these advertisements can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It must be mentioned that any genuine content encountered through these ads is the most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive advertisement campaigns if the browser/system specs are incompatible, particular websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether DynamicExplorer displays adverts – its presence on a system remains a threat to device/user safety.
Additionally, AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities. However, DynamicExplorer did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.
Furthermore, adware typically has data-tracking abilities, and this might be true of DynamicExplorer. Information of interest can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like DynamicExplorer on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by DynamicExplorer |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.29), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.g), 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
ElementaryDivision, EdgeCommand, and ElasticPortable are just a couple examples of adware we have examined recently. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers various features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.
Keep in mind that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did DynamicExplorer install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users mainly access such pages via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution. Therefore, we advise reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DynamicExplorer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DynamicExplorer adware's installation is over:
DynamicExplorer 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
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Quick menu:
- What is DynamicExplorer?
- STEP 1. Remove DynamicExplorer related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DynamicExplorer ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DynamicExplorer adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DynamicExplorer ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DynamicExplorer adware using Combo Cleaner:
DynamicExplorer adware removal:
Remove DynamicExplorer-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 delivers advertisements that promote content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). It can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit predominantly through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DynamicExplorer adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type apps present. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be ideal. In some cases, various file leftovers stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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