Removal instructions for CoordinatorSkill adware and the ads it displays

What kind of application is CoordinatorSkill?

Our researchers discovered CoordinatorSkill while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. This application is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family. CoordinatorSkill operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns, and it may have other harmful abilities.

CoordinatorSkill adware overview

Adware is designed to generate revenue through advertising. This is typically achieved by feeding users with unwanted and potentially malicious ads. The third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, banners, etc.) can be displayed on various interfaces.

However, specific conditions may be required for adware to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). Yet even if CoordinatorSkill does not display advertisements – its presence on a system remains a threat.

Adware-delivered adverts can endorse various scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

While legitimate content may be encountered via these advertisements – it is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers or other official parties. This promotion is most likely undertaken by scammers who are motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed product's affiliate programs.

AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities, but we did not observe these traits during our analysis of the CoordinatorSkill adware.

Data-tracking abilities are also standard for advertising-supported software, and this might apply to CoordinatorSkill. Information of interest can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by CoordinatorSkill
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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 numerous adware samples; AdvancedManager, InputRecord, and TaskElement are just a couple of our latest finds.

While advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers various functionalities, it seldom operates as promised. In most cases, the advertised features are merely bait to lure users into downloading/installing.

However, even if an app or a browser extension works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.

How did CoordinatorSkill install on my computer?

Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. They are predominantly accessed through redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, and adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

Furthermore, advertising-supported software can be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping steps/sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the threat of bundled content infiltrating the device.

Some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations. These adverts are also used to proliferate adware.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.

We also advise vigilance when browsing, as fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove CoordinatorSkill adware using Combo Cleaner:

CoordinatorSkill adware removal:

Remove CoordinatorSkill-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?

Adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. The far more significant threats arise from the content endorsed through adware-delivered ads, e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc. Additionally, advertising-supported software usually possesses data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware can display third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces, and some types are also capable of force-opening sites and collecting sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc.). The majority of the profit is made via affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove CoordinatorSkill adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be ideal. In some instances, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough adware removal is paramount.

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