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How to remove SystemSpecial adware from the operating system

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

What is SystemSpecial?

SystemSpecial is a rogue app, classified as adware. It enables the placement of various intrusive ads on any visited website. Additionally, this application has capabilities typical of browser hijackers. SystemSpecial modifies browser settings and promotes Safe Finder via akamaihd.net.

Due to the app's dubious proliferation methods, it is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). Most PUAs can track browsing-related data, which is also likely to be the case with SystemSpecial.

SystemSpecial adware

Adware delivers pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys and other advertisements. These significantly affect the browsing experience, since they overlay page content and limit browsing speed. When clicked, they redirect to untrusted/malicious websites and can even stealthily download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs).

Browser hijackers operate by assigning the addresses of fake search engines as the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs. This affects browsers in the following ways: each search made via the URL bar and each new tab/window opened redirects to the address of the bogus web search engine.

The fake search tools are usually unable to provide unique results, and so they tend to redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) legitimate sites. With SystemSpecial installed, users are redirected to akamaihd.net and then to Safe Finder, which is unable to generate search results and simply employs search.yahoo.com (a genuine search engine) for them.

Furthermore, any changes users attempt to make to their browsers are automatically reset, if access to the settings is permitted at all. Therefore, to recover the affected browser, the software responsible for the hijacking must be removed. It is possible that SystemSpecial might also have data tracking capabilities.

Typically, these applications can monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and gathers users' personal information (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). The gathered data is monetized by sharing it with third parties, seeking to misuse it for profit as well.

To summarize, the presence of data tracking software on devices can result in financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft. To ensure browser/system health and user safety, remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins without delay.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by SystemSpecial
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Fortinet (Adware/Adloadr!OSX), 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 the 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), fake Flash Player installers, 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.

ProgressSiteActiveMulti and QuickLookSearches are some examples of other adware infections. These may seem legitimate and useful, however, they rarely work as promised and, in most cases, are nonoperational. In fact, this applies to all PUAs. These unwanted applications have just one purpose: to generate revenue at users' expense.

Rather than delivering any real value, PUAs run intrusive ad campaigns, cause unwanted redirects, hijack browsers and collects sensitive data.

How did SystemSpecial install on my computer?

Certain PUAs have "official" download web pages, however, these apps are often downloaded/installed together with other products. This deceptive marketing tactic of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is termed "bundling".

By rushing through downloads/installations (e.g. skipping steps and sections, using presets, etc.), many users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content onto their devices. Intrusive advertisements spread such applications as well. Once clicked, they can execute scripts designed to download/install PUAs without users' consent.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

It is important to research all products before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Untrustworthy sources such as unofficial and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks (BitTorrent, eMule, Gnutella, etc.) and other third party downloaders can offer deceptive and/or bundled content.

Therefore, you are advised NOT to use them. When downloading/installing, read the terms, explore all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, functions and so on. Intrusive ads may seem normal and innocuous, however, they can redirect to dubious and potentially harmful pages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

If you encounter these ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and likewise suspect browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SystemSpecial, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once SystemSpecial installation is complete:

pop-up displayed once SystemSpecial installation is done

SystemSpecial redirecting users to Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net:

SystemSpecial redirecting users to Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net

SystemSpecial adware installation folder:

SystemSpecial adware installation folder

SystemSpecial adware installed on the Safari browser:

SystemSpecial adware installed on Safari

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 SystemSpecial adware using Combo Cleaner:

SystemSpecial adware removal:

Remove SystemSpecial-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac browser hijacker removal from 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

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.

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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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Removal Instructions in other languages
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

QR Code
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