SkillFormat Adware (Mac)

What is SkillFormat?

SkillFormat generates advertisements and promotes a fake search engine address, and thus functions as adware and a browser hijacker. Additionally, it is possible that SkillFormat gathers information relating to users' browsing habits and other data. This app is distributed via a deceptive installer that is disguised as the installer for Adobe Flash Player.

Typically, users download and install apps such as SkillFormat inadvertently and, for this reason, they are classified as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

SkillFormat adware

SkillFormat adware overview

In most cases, applications such as SkillFormat serve coupons, banners, surveys, pop-up ads and other ad types. When users click these ads, they open untrusted web pages or even cause download/installation of unwanted applications.

SkillFormat promotes a fake search engine and functions as a browser hijacker. A typical browser hijacker achieves this by changing the default search engine, homepage, and new tab to the address of its associated fake search engine. In most cases, these search engines do not generate unique, individual results, or they generate those that can include links to dubious pages.

Furthermore, it is possible that SkillFormat collects various data relating to users' browsing habits. For example, IP addresses, geolocations, entered search queries, and addresses of visited websites. It might also be capable of accessing personal, sensitive details. Developers of adware sell gathered information to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) or misuse it to generate in other ways.

Users with these apps installed on their browsers and/or computers might become victims of identity theft, encounter problems relating to browsing safety and online privacy, and other issues. Therefore, SkillFormat and other such apps should never be trusted.

Threat Summary:
Name	Ads by SkillFormat
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Agent-MT [Trj]), AVG (MacOS:Agent-MT [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), Full List (VirusTotal).
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 (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Adware examples

SkillFormat and similar apps simply generate revenue for the developers by serving advertisements, promoting specific addresses, and collecting data. Most are useless to regular users, even if they are advertised as useful, legitimate apps. Some examples of other apps similar to SkillFormat are SkilledObject, InitialSkill and CleanParameter.

How did SkillFormat install on my computer?

SkillFormat is distributed via a fake installer that is designed to appear like the installer for Adobe Flash Player. In some cases, these deceptive installers install malware (e.g., ransomware, Trojan-type malware).

Browser hijackers, adware-type apps, and other types of PUAs are commonly distributed by integrating them into the download and/or installation set-ups of other programs, so that a proportion of users inadvertently download and install them together with their chosen software. This distribution method is known as "bundling". Offers to download and install additionally-included apps usually appear in "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings of the set-ups (where they can usually be declined). Many users fail to check and change these settings, thereby granting permission for PUAs to be downloaded and installed by default.

In addition, unwanted downloads and installations are sometimes caused by clicking deceptive advertisements capable of executing certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Download software and files from official websites and via direct links. It is not safe to use torrent clients, eMule (or other Peer-to-Peer networks), third party downloaders, unofficial websites or other sources of this kind. Avoid third party installers. Check "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings, and decline offers to download or install unwanted software.

Do not click ads that are displayed on dubious websites, since they can open other untrusted websites or even cause unwanted downloads and installations.

Remove any unwanted, suspicious applications (extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins) that are installed on the browser. The same should be applied to programs of this kind that are installed on the operating system.

If your computer is already infected with SkillFormat, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed when SkillFormat adware is installed:

SkillFormat adware warning pop-up

Text presented in this pop-up:

"SkillFormatd" will damage your computer.

This file was downloaded on an unknown date.

OK

Show in Finder

Deceptive installer that is used to distribute SkillFormat (first installation step):

skillformat adware installer step 1

Deceptive installer that is used to distribute SkillFormat (second installation step):

skillformat adware installer step 2

Files related to SkillFormat adware that need to be removed:

~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.SkillFormat.service.app
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.SkillFormat.service.plist
/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.SkillFormat.system
/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.SkillFormat.system.plist

IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like TrustedAnalog alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of dubious websites.

The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you must restore them manually.

Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.

Changing proxy settings - navigate to the system settings

Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.

Changing proxy settings - navigate to the network settings

Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".

Changing proxy settings - select the connected network and click Advanced...

Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also set the settings of each protocol to default - "*.local, 169.254/16".

Changing proxy settings - untick all the options and set their settings to default

Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner

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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

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

Video showing how to remove SkillFormat adware using Combo Cleaner:

SkillFormat adware removal:

Remove SkillFormat-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.

DOWNLOAD remover for malware infections

Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

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 1 Check 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 2 Check 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 3 Check 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

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4 Check 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 5 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.

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

Remove 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.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

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".

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 delivers ads that endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Its presence on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying adverts on various interfaces. Some adware types can also force-open sites and gather private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, products, etc.). The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove SkillFormat adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. Note that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.