FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

How to remove the PracticeCycle adware-type application

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

What kind of application is PracticeCycle?

Our research team discovered the PracticeCycle adware-type app while inspecting new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. This advertising-supported software is part of the AdLoad malware family. PracticeCycle is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns.

PracticeCycle adware

PracticeCycle adware overview

Adware generates revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and potentially malicious ads. The third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) is displayed on visited websites and/or different interfaces.

It must be mentioned that software within this classification may require specific conditions to deliver intrusive ad campaigns, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, or others. However, regardless of whether PracticeCycle displays adverts – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

Adware-displayed advertisements primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

While AdLoad applications commonly have browser hijacker qualities, we did not observe these traits while analyzing the PracticeCycle app.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to PracticeCycle. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, the presence of software like PracticeCycle on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by PracticeCycle
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27748), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), 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.
▼ 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

TypicalRotatorTransformFusionLogState, and UniversalSync are just a few examples of adware we have analyzed recently.

Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers various functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It is pertinent to mention that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did PracticeCycle install on my computer?

The bundling marketing tactic – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to proliferate adware.

The risk of allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels, e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party sources. The risk is compounded by rushing through installation processes, e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.

Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects generated by sites that employ rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive adverts. Some of the advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).

We also advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

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

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

Pop-up displayed once PracticeCycle installation is complete

PracticeCycle adware's installation folder:

PracticeCycle 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 PracticeCycle adware using Combo Cleaner:

PracticeCycle adware removal:

Remove PracticeCycle-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays advertisements that promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered to be a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces. Additionally, some types can also force-open webpages and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue predominantly through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, products, applications, browser extensions, services, etc. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove PracticeCycle adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, file leftovers stay hidden within the system following the adware's (manual) removal. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion

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.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

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 PracticeCycle QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by PracticeCycle on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Mac malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner for Mac

Platform: macOS

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.