How to remove the ProductSkyBlog adware from your Mac

What kind of application is ProductSkyBlog?

While investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal site, our researchers discovered the ProductSkyBlog adware. This application is part of the AdLoad malware family. ProductSkyBlog is designed to display ads, and it may have other harmful capabilities.

ProductSkyBlog adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

Specific conditions may be necessary for adware to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether ProductSkyBlog displays adverts – its presence endangers device integrity and user safety.

Adware-delivered ads promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can even execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking capabilities, although we did not observe these qualities while investigating ProductSkyBlog.

Furthermore, this adware-type application might have data-tracking abilities. Targeted information can include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ProductSkyBlog
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.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

We have analyzed countless adware-type apps; ConnectivityRepair, ActiveAnalyser, LegionRelic, EscapeUpdate, and PersonalProsper are merely some examples. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers various functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

Note that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did ProductSkyBlog install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with regular programs. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps/sections, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.

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

Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements as well. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is important to research software and download it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.

We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

ProductSkyBlog 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 ProductSkyBlog?
• STEP 1. Remove ProductSkyBlog related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove ProductSkyBlog ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove ProductSkyBlog adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove ProductSkyBlog ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove ProductSkyBlog adware using Combo Cleaner:

ProductSkyBlog adware removal:

Remove ProductSkyBlog-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 can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software displays ads that promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware typically has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying adverts on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs by endorsing content. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ProductSkyBlog adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type apps present. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. The remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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