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Remove SwiftEngine adware

Also Known As: Ads by SwiftEngine
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is SwiftEngine?

The SwiftEngine app supposedly helps users to browse the web, however, it serves advertisements and gathers various data. Apps of this type are classified as adware. Furthermore, since most people do not download applications such as SwiftEngine intentionally, they are also known as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

SwiftEngine adware

If installed, adware-type applications display coupons, banners, surveys, pop-up ads, and/or other intrusive content on most or all opened websites. Adware commonly serves ads that redirect people who click them to dubious or even malicious websites. In some cases, they cause download/installation of PUAs by executing certain scripts.

In any case, it is not safe to click these advertisements. Research shows that this particular app can access sensitive information such as passwords, telephone numbers, credit card details and so on. Furthermore, it records browsing data (such as IP addresses, addresses of visited websites, entered search queries, etc.).

SwiftEngine's developers can misuse personal information to generate revenue, and thus users might become victims of identity theft, experience monetary loss, problems with privacy, browsing safety, and so on. The people responsible for this app might share the information with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by SwiftEngine
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
Detection Names Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.Script.SearchExt.gen), ZoneAlarm by Check Point (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.Script.SearchExt.gen), Full List (VirusTotal)
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), fake Flash Player installers, 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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
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.

SwiftEngine is very similar to other adware-type apps such as BeginnerData, ManagementMark, and FilterIdea. Generally, apps of this type serve unwanted ads, record various details, and do not deliver any real value. Most do not operate as advertised. To avoid possible problems due to installed adware, remove it from browsers and systems immediately.

How did SwiftEngine install on my computer?

Frequently, unwanted apps are downloaded and/or installed through intrusive advertisements that people click, or during download/installation of various software. Developers often include unwanted apps into the set-ups of other programs, but do not disclose information about it properly.

I.e., they hide offers to download or install additional apps in settings such as "Custom" and "Advanced" of the download/installation set-ups. This distribution method is called "bundling". Developers use to trick people into downloading and/or installing unwanted apps through the set-ups of regular software.

It often works, since many people fail to check or change the settings, thereby granting unwanted apps permission to be downloaded or installed by default.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

All software should be downloaded from official websites, especially if the software is free. Third party downloaders, installers, unofficial websites, Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule), and other sources should not be used to download or install files or programs.

If download or installation setup contains any settings such as "Custom", "Advanced", then they should not remain unchecked. The settings often include offers to download or install unwanted software, and should be dismissed before finishing download/installation.

Do not click ads that are displayed on dubious web pages. For example, on those relating to adult dating, gambling, pornography, and so on. These ads often lead to dubious web pages or cause unwanted downloads and installations. If there are any suspicious extensions, add-ons or plug-ins installed on the browser, remove them immediately.

The same applies to programs of this kind that are installed on the computer. If your computer is already infected with SwiftEngine, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once SwiftEngine installation is complete:

pop-up displayed once SwiftEngine installation is done

SwiftEngine adware installed on Safari browser:

SwiftEngine extension installed on Safari

Installation folder of the SwiftEngine app:

SwiftEngine folder and its contents

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:

Video showing how to remove SwiftEngine adware using Combo Cleaner:

SwiftEngine adware removal:

Remove SwiftEngine-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac browser hijacker removal from 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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by SwiftEngine QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by SwiftEngine on your mobile device.
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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.