Removing SchedulerSkyLoad adware and the adverts it displays

What is SchedulerSkyLoad?

SchedulerSkyLoad is another of our researchers' finds detected on VirusTotal. It is an adware-type application from the AdLoad malware family.

SchedulerSkyLoad adware overview

Once installed onto our test system, SchedulerSkyLoad began displaying various ads. It is pertinent to mention that adware can require certain conditions (e.g., device/browser specs, users' geolocations, etc.) to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. However, even if this software does not deliver advertisements on your system - that does not mean that its presence on the system is harmless.

Adware can display pop-ups, banners, and other intrusive adverts - on visited websites and/or different interfaces. These ads promote untrustworthy and malicious sites, unreliable and harmful apps, online scams, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can download/install software (without user permission) - upon being clicked.

Any encounters with genuine products via such advertisements - are not part of the actual developers' marketing efforts, but rather those of scammers abusing affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

While SchedulerSkyLoad did not exhibit browser hijacker traits on our test system, it may possess these abilities as they are typical for AdLoad apps.

This also applies to data tracking functionalities. Adware typically gathers browsing data, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, finance-related information, etc. This vulnerable data is monetized through sale to third-parties.

In summary, software like SchedulerSkyLoad can cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even lead to identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by SchedulerSkyLoad
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.25299), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), McAfee (RDN/Generic.osx), 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), 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.

Adware examples

We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; TypeValue, Tradexic, NetworkBeta, and InitiatorIntegrate are just some of those we have researched. This software usually appears legitimate and offers "advantageous" features. These functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.

How did SchedulerSkyLoad install on my computer?

Adware is spread using software bundling (packing ordinary programs with unwanted/malicious supplements). Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Furthermore, intrusive advertisements can stealthily download/install adware - once clicked on. This software may also have "official" promotional/download webpages. They can be pushed by deceptive browser notifications/ intrusive ads, websites using rogue advertising networks, or installed harmful software.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend to always research software and only download it from official/verified sources. Additionally, download and installation processes must be approached with care. Hence, our researchers advise reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.

It is just as important to exercise caution when browsing. Dubious online content can look innocuous, this is true of intrusive adverts, which redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

If you encounter such ads/redirects, inspect your device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SchedulerSkyLoad, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove SchedulerSkyLoad adware using Combo Cleaner:

SchedulerSkyLoad adware removal:

Remove SchedulerSkyLoad-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 may decrease system performance and negatively affect the browsing experience (e.g., slow down the browsing speed, overlay webpage content, etc.). This software typically has data tracking abilities, which make it a threat to user privacy. What is more, adware-delivered advertisements can be deceptive/malicious and cause severe issues.

What does adware do?

Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to deliver intrusive ad campaigns. In other words, this software can enable the placement of various adverts on visited sites and/or different interfaces.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, applications, products, etc. Commission can be earned from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove SchedulerSkyLoad adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating installed adware-type apps. On the other hand, manual removal might not be ideal. In some instances, even when the software itself is (manually) eliminated - various remnants (files) get left behind on the system. Furthermore, such components might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove adware thoroughly.

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