Adicea.app Adware (Mac)

What kind of application is Adicea.app?

Our research team found the Adicea.app adware. This rogue application belongs to the Pirrit adware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers.

Adicea.app adware detections on VirusTotal

Adicea.app adware overview

Adware operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. Typically, this software displays ads on various interfaces (e.g., visited websites, desktops, etc.).

Certain conditions may be necessary for adware to work as intended, such as compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, and so on. Yet even if Adicea.app does not deliver intrusive ad campaigns – its presence threatens device integrity and user safety.

Adware-displayed adverts endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations. Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software may exhibit browser-hijacking functionalities. However, we did not observe these qualities during testing.

What is more, Adicea.app likely has data-tracking abilities, as they are standard for adware. Information of interest may include browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can then be shared with or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like Adicea.app can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name	Ads by Adicea.app
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Agent-SD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Pirrit.4), ESET-NOD32 (OSX/Adware.Pirrit.CF), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information	This application belongs to the Pirrit adware 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 (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Adware examples

We have written about numerous adware-type apps; FatHomage.app, Polyhedrical.app, and Gastaldo.app are merely some of our latest articles.

Usually, advertising-supported software appears legitimate and innocuous. Users can be enticed into downloading/installing by promises of "handy" and "advantageous" functions. However, these features seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be emphasized that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did Adicea.app install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Downloading from suspect channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.

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

Intrusive adverts also proliferate advertising-supported software. Some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.

We advise vigilance when browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

Should you keep encountering advertisements/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Adicea.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

When removing Adicea.app, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "Adicea.app"):

~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/StartupItems

Pop-up window displayed when Adicea.app adware is present on the system:

Pop-up displayed when Adicea.app adware is detected on the system

Text presented in this pop-up:

"Adicea.app" will damage your computer.

This file was downloaded on an unknown date.

Ok
Show in Finder

Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner

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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

What is Adicea.app?
STEP 1. Remove Adicea.app related files and folders from OSX.
STEP 2. Remove Adicea.app ads from Safari.
STEP 3. Remove Adicea.app adware from Google Chrome.
STEP 4. Remove Adicea.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Adicea.app adware removal:

Remove Adicea.app-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.

DOWNLOAD remover for malware infections

Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

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 1 Check 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 2 Check 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 3 Check 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

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4 Check 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 5 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.

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

Remove 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.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

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

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

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".

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-delivered adverts can promote content that may cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware typically has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces, force-opening sites, and collecting sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, software, products, services, and other content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Adicea.app adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and remove detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. After such an app has been manually removed – various remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.