Removal instructions for SkilledNetwork adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is SkilledNetwork?
SkilledNetwork is a rogue app that our researchers discovered while investigating new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). Additionally, it is noteworthy that SkilledNetwork is part of the AdLoad malware family.
SkilledNetwork adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software displays ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, surveys, etc.) on various interfaces.
These adverts endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements are capable of performing downloads/installations without user consent.
Keep in mind that while legitimate content may be encountered through these ads – it is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if SkilledNetwork does not display adverts – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety.
Furthermore, this application might have browser-hijacking qualities since they are typical for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during our analysis.
What is more, SkilledNetwork likely has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like SkilledNetwork on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SkilledNetwork |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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. |
Adware examples
SystemConfig, DominantInfo, and DigitalEntry are just a few examples of adware-type applications that we have investigated recently.
This software typically appears ordinary and innocuous. Users are lured into downloading/installing it with promises of various handy features. However, these functionalities are rarely operational. Note that even if a piece of software works as promised – that is not proof of its legitimacy or safety.
How did SkilledNetwork install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most users enter such pages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Furthermore, installation must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SkilledNetwork, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SkilledNetwork adware's installation is over:
SkilledNetwork 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 SkilledNetwork?
- STEP 1. Remove SkilledNetwork related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SkilledNetwork ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SkilledNetwork adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SkilledNetwork ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SkilledNetwork adware using Combo Cleaner:
SkilledNetwork adware removal:
Remove SkilledNetwork-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?
The presence of adware on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software displays adverts that endorse deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces (e.g., visited websites, desktops, etc.). Some types can also force-open webpages and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, and other content. Adware developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SkilledNetwork adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various leftover files remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, adware must be removed thoroughly.
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