Removing EngineRotator adware-type app from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is EngineRotator?
While checking our new submissions to the VirusTotal site, we discovered the EngineRotator application. Upon inspection, we determined that this app is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family. EngineRotator's purpose is to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.
EngineRotator adware overview
Adware can display third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces. These ads primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. When clicked on, some can perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, such as an incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, specific sites not visited, etc. However, regardless of whether EngineRotator displays ads – its presence on a device threatens system and user safety.
At the time of research, EngineRotator did not exhibit browser-hijacking traits, although they are common for AdLoad applications.
This adware-type app likely has data-tracking functionalities. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, software like EngineRotator may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by EngineRotator |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-AHU [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Generik.SNMDDO), 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
HandlerDivision, ExplorerServer, and AssistiveFormat are merely a couple examples of adware we have analyzed recently.
Software within this classification typically appears ordinary and innocuous. Users may be lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of various handy features. However, these functionalities rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
Keep in mind that even if an app or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did EngineRotator install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) increases the threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system. The risk is compounded by treating installations with negligence, e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users mainly access these webpages via redirects generated by mistyped URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive adverts as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless – therefore, we highly recommend caution while browsing. To provide an example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EngineRotator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once EngineRotator adware's installation is over:
EngineRotator 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 EngineRotator?
- STEP 1. Remove EngineRotator related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove EngineRotator ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove EngineRotator adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove EngineRotator ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove EngineRotator adware using Combo Cleaner:
EngineRotator adware removal:
Remove EngineRotator-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 display advertisements that promote harmful content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, it is classed as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include enabling the placement of advertisements on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by promoting content (e.g., websites, services, products, applications, browser extensions, etc.). Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove EngineRotator adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type apps present. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, file remnants stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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