How to remove ArrayEngine adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ArrayEngine?
ArrayEngine is a rogue app discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
ArrayEngine adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. The purpose of adware is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers. Usually, the goal is achieved by displaying ads on various interfaces.
This third-party graphical content can promote online scams, untrustworthy/deceptive software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Note that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Adware might need specific conditions to operate as intended, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. Even if ArrayEngine does not display adverts – its presence endangers device and user safety.
It is common for AdLoad apps to have browser-hijacking abilities – however, we did not observe these functionalities while testing ArrayEngine.
Additionally, software within this classification usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to ArrayEngine.
Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like ArrayEngine on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ArrayEngine |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.29143), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to the 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
We have written about numerous adware-type applications; PracticalProject, InteropSearch, ConnectedApp, TechBoost, and DeployImprovment are merely some of our latest articles.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and harmless. Users may be enticed into downloading/installing by promises of various functionalities. These functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be emphasized that even if an app or a browser extension operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.
How did ArrayEngine install on my computer?
"Bundling" is used to distribute adware. In this marketing method, unwanted/malicious additions are bundled into ordinary program installation setups.
These installers can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspicious sources. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Adware is also endorsed on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most visitors access them via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ArrayEngine, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ArrayEngine adware's installation is over:
ArrayEngine 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 ArrayEngine?
- STEP 1. Remove ArrayEngine related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ArrayEngine ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ArrayEngine adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ArrayEngine ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
ArrayEngine adware removal:
Remove ArrayEngine-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 is considered a privacy threat since this software usually collects sensitive information. Most of the dangers posed by the content endorsed through adware-delivered ads, and they include system infections, severe privacy issues, and financial losses.
What does adware do?
Adware operates by placing third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove ArrayEngine adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan computers and remove detected adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – leftover files remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion