How to eliminate DeveloperEngine adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is DeveloperEngine?
Our researchers discovered DeveloperEngine adware while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal website. This application belongs to the AdLoad malware family, and it is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. Advertising-supported software operates by displaying advertisements, and it often has additional harmful capabilities.
DeveloperEngine adware overview
Adware enables the placement of various adverts (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, coupons, banners, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These advertisements endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that while genuine content may be encountered via these adverts – it is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers. It is most probable that this endorsement is performed by scammers who abuse a product's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if DeveloperEngine does not display ads – its presence on a system remains a threat.
AdLoad adware often has browser hijacker capabilities, and this might be true of DeveloperEngine, although we did not observe any such functionalities during testing.
This rogue application likely collects vulnerable information. Targeted data may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so forth. The gathered data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like DeveloperEngine on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DeveloperEngine |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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
LauncherLocator, EnginePro, and CenterNow are merely some examples of adware-type apps that we have examined recently.
Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and offer various features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. Note that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did DeveloperEngine install on my computer?
The bundling marketing tactic – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is commonly used to proliferate adware. The risk of permitting bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using the "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Users typically enter such pages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements spread 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 advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Additionally, installation must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advance" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look ordinary/innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep experiencing advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DeveloperEngine, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DeveloperEngine adware's installation is over:
DeveloperEngine 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 DeveloperEngine?
- STEP 1. Remove DeveloperEngine related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DeveloperEngine ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DeveloperEngine adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DeveloperEngine ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DeveloperEngine adware using Combo Cleaner:
DeveloperEngine adware removal:
Remove DeveloperEngine-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?
The presence of adware on a device may result in diminished browsing experience and system performance. This software displays advertisements that promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware typically has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit predominantly through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DeveloperEngine adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all the adware-type apps present. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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