How to eliminate the SystemCyberspace adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SystemCyberspace?
Our research team discovered SystemCyberspace while investigating file submissions to the VirusTotal site. This application is advertising-supported software (adware). SystemCyberspace belongs to the AdLoad malware family. It is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns.
SystemCyberspace adware overview
Adware operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, banners, and other ads) on visited websites and/or different interfaces. This undesirable content may promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products or services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether SystemCyberspace delivers adverts – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
It is pertinent to mention that AdLoad adware commonly has browser-hijacking abilities, but the SystemCyberspace app did not exhibit these traits during testing.
Furthermore, software within this classification usually collects vulnerable information, and this might be true of SystemCyberspace. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like SystemCyberspace on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SystemCyberspace |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.32), 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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; InputScheduler, ClearPartition, and UpgradeStoreApp are just a few of our latest finds. Advertising-supported software usually appears ordinary and harmless. It can also offer a wide variety of "useful" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions are rarely operational.
Keep in mind that the mere fact that a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material does not prove its legitimacy or safety.
How did SystemCyberspace install on my computer?
Adware is endorsed on "official" promotional pages and scam websites. Most visitors to these webpages enter them through redirects generated by misspelled URLs, sites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Some intrusive advertisements are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. These adverts are also used in adware distribution.
"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to proliferate advertising-supported software as well.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently permitting access for bundled content into the system.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it from official/verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, and use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt out of all additional applications, extensions, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless – however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect apps and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SystemCyberspace, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SystemCyberspace adware's installation is over:
SystemCyberspace 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
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Quick menu:
- What is SystemCyberspace?
- STEP 1. Remove SystemCyberspace related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SystemCyberspace ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SystemCyberspace adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SystemCyberspace ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SystemCyberspace adware using Combo Cleaner:
SystemCyberspace adware removal:
Remove SystemCyberspace-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 advertisements displayed by adware can promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Advertising-supported software is considered to be a privacy threat, as it typically has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. It displays advertisements on various interfaces, and some types can also force-open webpages and collect vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs for content promotion. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SystemCyberspace adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. The remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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