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Removal instructions for BasicEngine adware and the adverts it displays

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

What is BasicEngine?

Our researchers found the BasicEngine rogue application while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this app, we determined that it works as advertising-supported software (adware) and is part of the AdLoad malware family.

BasicEngine adware

BasicEngine adware overview

Advertising-supported software displays ads on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. These advertisements endorse unreliable/harmful websites and software, online scams, and even malware. Additionally, once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.

It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Note that adware may require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, whether BasicEngine delivers adverts is irrelevant - as its presence endangers device and user safety regardless.

Advertising-supported software belonging to the AdLoad family often has browser-hijacking qualities - this might also apply to BasicEngine. However, this app did not exhibit any during our analysis.

Furthermore, adware usually collects private data, and this is likely true of BasicEngine. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial/banking data, etc. The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of software like BasicEngine on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by BasicEngine
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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), 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.

Adware examples

SkyWebProcessUnitySquadNetCreativeRidgeWorld - are just some examples of the adware that we have analyzed recently. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into download/installation with "handy" features. However, these functionalities are rarely operational.

How did BasicEngine install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing tactic - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious supplements. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the device.

Additionally, intrusive adverts spread advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well.

Adware is also promoted through dubious download pages and scam sites. Users typically access websites of this type via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching products and downloading them only from official and verified channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.

Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements look legitimate yet redirect to unreliable/harmful sites (e.g., pornography, adult-dating, gambling, etc.).

In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with BasicEngine, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once BasicEngine adware's installation is over:

Pop-up displayed once BasicEngine installation is complete

BasicEngine adware's installation folder:

BasicEngine adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove BasicEngine adware using Combo Cleaner:

BasicEngine adware removal:

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

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware displays ads that promote deceptive/malicious content that can cause severe issues like system infections, financial losses, etc. It diminishes browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, this software typically has data tracking functionalities - hence, it is also a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware displays advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Furthermore, advertising-supported software may be capable of force-opening sites and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates most of the profit through affiliate programs by promoting websites, applications, products, and other content. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove BasicEngine adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - various leftovers (files) get left behind. Furthermore, the remnants may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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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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Removal Instructions in other languages
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 BasicEngine QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by BasicEngine on your mobile device.
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