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How to eliminate SyncProcess adware from the operating system

Also Known As: Ads by SyncProcess
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is SyncProcess?

We discovered SyncProcess adware while browsing new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. This application belongs to the AdLoad malware family. SyncProcess is designed to generate through advertising.

SyncProcess adware

SyncProcess adware overview

Adware typically operates by placing third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, pop-ups, banners, surveys, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. These advertisements can promote various scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Some can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Remember that while legitimate content may be encountered via these adverts – it is unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who are motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the promoted product's affiliate programs.

Advertising-supported software might not work as designed if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether SyncProcess displays advertisements – it threatens system security and user safety.

AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities – however, we did not observe these qualities while investigating SyncProcess.

Additionally, adware usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to SyncProcess. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold third-parties.

To summarize, software like SyncProcess may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by SyncProcess
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.29), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.g), 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

PracticalDisplayActivityOverallEntryBox, and CenterArchive are merely some examples of adware-type applications we have analyzed recently. Software within this category looks harmless and offers various useful features. However, the promised functionalities are usually fake and nonoperational, as their only purpose is to entice users into downloading/installing the app/extension.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did SyncProcess install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, or other suspicious sources – poses a threat of bundled content infiltrating the system. This risk is compounded by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. They are primarily accessed via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advance" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, tools, extensions, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive adverts may look ordinary/innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).

If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SyncProcess, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once SyncProcess installation is complete

SyncProcess adware's installation folder:

SyncProcess adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove SyncProcess adware using Combo Cleaner:

SyncProcess adware removal:

Remove SyncProcess-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.

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 1Check 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 2Check 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 3Check 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 4Check 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 5Scan 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

Safari iconRemove 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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Significant threats are posed by the content endorsed via adware-displayed advertisements (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware tends to have data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces, and some types are also capable of generating redirects and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content. The majority of the revenue is made through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove SyncProcess adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. After the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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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.