How to remove the PracticeCycle adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is PracticeCycle?
Our research team discovered the PracticeCycle adware-type app while inspecting new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. This advertising-supported software is part of the AdLoad malware family. PracticeCycle is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns.
PracticeCycle adware overview
Adware generates revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and potentially malicious ads. The third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) is displayed on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
It must be mentioned that software within this classification may require specific conditions to deliver intrusive ad campaigns, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, or others. However, regardless of whether PracticeCycle displays adverts – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Adware-displayed advertisements primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
While AdLoad applications commonly have browser hijacker qualities, we did not observe these traits while analyzing the PracticeCycle app.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to PracticeCycle. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like PracticeCycle on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by PracticeCycle |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27748), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), 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), 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
TypicalRotator, TransformFusion, LogState, and UniversalSync are just a few examples of adware we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers various functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It is pertinent to mention that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did PracticeCycle install on my computer?
The bundling marketing tactic – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to proliferate adware.
The risk of allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels, e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party sources. The risk is compounded by rushing through installation processes, e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects generated by sites that employ rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive adverts. Some of the advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).
We also advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PracticeCycle, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once PracticeCycle adware's installation is over:
PracticeCycle 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 PracticeCycle?
- STEP 1. Remove PracticeCycle related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PracticeCycle ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PracticeCycle adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PracticeCycle ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PracticeCycle adware using Combo Cleaner:
PracticeCycle adware removal:
Remove PracticeCycle-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 advertisements that promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces. Additionally, some types can also force-open webpages and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, products, applications, browser extensions, services, etc. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PracticeCycle adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, file leftovers stay hidden within the system following the adware's (manual) removal. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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