EngineTrack Adware

If your Mac has started showing endless pop‑ups, redirects to suspicious sites, or slowed down unexpectedly, you might be dealing with EngineTrack adware — an unwanted program that delivers intrusive ads, hijacks browser activity, and can track your browsing behavior.

EngineTrack Adware – Quick Threat Summary

Threat Name	EngineTrack Adware (Mac)
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware
Also Known As	Ads by EngineTrack
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload‑AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.29), ESET‑NOD32 (OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not‑a‑virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.g)
Symptoms	Pop‑ups, banners, redirects, slow performance
Damage & Distribution	Bundled installs, fake ads, third‑party downloads
Danger Level	Moderate (privacy risk & nuisance)

---

What Is EngineTrack Adware?

EngineTrack is classified as adware, meaning it doesn’t attack files like ransomware but instead focuses on flooding your system with advertisements and misleading alerts. Once on your Mac, EngineTrack injects various types of ads — pop‑ups, banners, coupons — and may even alter browser settings to redirect your searches to affiliate or unsafe websites. These ads could promote fake virus alerts or scams designed to make you install more unwanted software.

---

How EngineTrack Adware Gets Installed on Macs

EngineTrack doesn’t typically install itself automatically. It most commonly reaches your macOS through:

• Bundled free software installers – you click Next and don’t notice extra offers being installed with the main app.
• Deceptive advertisements or pop‑ups – fake update prompts or alerts tempting you to click.
• Third‑party download sites – especially those hosting pirated or unofficial software.
• Browser extension bundling – installed as an add‑on disguised as a helpful feature.

---

Signs Your Mac Might Be Infected With EngineTrack

Watch for these tell‑tale signs:

• Frequent pop‑ups and banner ads when browsing — even on sites that shouldn’t show ads.
• Redirected search results and altered browser behavior.
• Installation of unwanted browser extensions unknown to you.
• Your Mac working slower than usual.

---

Removing EngineTrack Adware From macOS

Manual Removal Steps

1. Quit all browsers and open Finder.
2. Go to Applications and look for suspicious apps like MPlayerX, NicePlayer, or anything you don’t recognize — drag them to Trash.
3. Use Go → Go to Folder in Finder to check and remove related files from:
   • /Library/LaunchAgents/
   • ~/Library/Application Support/
   • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
     (Remove suspicious plist files and other adware remnants.)
4. Open your browsers and remove unknown extensions.
5. If ads or redirects persist, reset your browser settings to default.

Automatic Removal (Recommended)

Use a reputable macOS malware scanner to detect and remove all associated files automatically. A full system scan can ensure leftover components don’t continue running.

---

Can EngineTrack Steal My Data?

EngineTrack’s primary goal isn’t to encrypt or delete files, but it may track your browsing activity, collect personal info, and compromise your privacy. The collected data can be sold to third parties or used for targeted scams.

---

Preventing Future Infections

To avoid similar adware threats in the future:

• Download software only from trusted sources — ideally the App Store or official developer sites.
• During installation, always choose Custom or Advanced and opt‑out of optional components.
• Be cautious of pop‑ups prompting you to install updates or software.
• Keep macOS and browsers up to date.

Method 1: Manually Removing Adware from Your Mac

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Applications

1. Open Finder and navigate to Applications.
2. Carefully review the list and look for applications you don’t recognize or didn’t install.
3. Drag any suspicious applications to the Trash.
4. Empty the Trash to ensure they’re permanently removed.
5. Open System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items.
6. Remove any unknown startup programs by selecting them and clicking the - button.

Step 2: Remove Unwanted Browser Extensions

Safari

1. Open Safari and click Safari > Preferences > Extensions.
2. Look for any extensions you don’t recognize and uninstall them.
3. Go to History > “Clear History” to remove traces of adware-related activity.

Google Chrome

1. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Extensions.
2. Find any unfamiliar extensions and remove them.
3. Reset Chrome by going to Settings > Reset settings > “Restore settings to their original defaults.”

Mozilla Firefox

1. Click the three-line menu and go to Add-ons and themes.
2. Remove any unknown extensions.
3. Reset Firefox via Help > More troubleshooting information > “Refresh Firefox.”

Step 3: Delete Malicious Files and Folders

1. Open Finder, press Shift + Command + G, and enter the following locations:
   • ~/Library/Application Support/
   • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
   • ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/
   • ~/Library/Preferences/
2. Look for suspicious files and remove them.

Step 4: Clear Your DNS Cache

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type the following command and hit Enter:
3. Enter your administrator password if prompted.

Step 5: Restart Your Mac

Restart your Mac to finalize the removal process.

---

Method 2: Automatically Remove Adware with SpyHunter for Mac

If you prefer a hassle-free solution, SpyHunter for Mac can detect and eliminate adware efficiently.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Click the link below to download SpyHunter for Mac: Download SpyHunter Here.

Step 2: Install and Set Up SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded .dmg file.
2. Drag SpyHunter into the Applications folder.
3. Launch SpyHunter and allow it to update its malware definitions.

Step 3: Run a Full System Scan

1. Open SpyHunter.
2. Click Start Scan.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and review the detected threats.
4. Click Fix Threats to remove any adware found on your system.

Step 4: Restart Your Mac

Once SpyHunter has completed the removal, restart your Mac to ensure all traces of adware are gone.

---

Final Thoughts

EngineTrack is a persistent macOS adware infection that disrupts browsing, slows performance, and poses privacy risks. While not a virus in the traditional sense, it’s unwanted and should be removed promptly if detected.