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How to eliminate the SaveSysBoot adware-type application

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

What kind of application is SaveSysBoot?

Our researchers found the SaveSysBoot application while checking out new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. After investigating this piece of software, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. SaveSysBoot runs intrusive advertisement campaigns, and it may have additional harmful capabilities.

SaveSysBoot adware

SaveSysBoot adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It generates revenue for its developers through advertising. Typically, adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces like desktops, visited websites, etc.

Software within this category may not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if SaveSysBoot does not display advertisements – it endangers device and user safety regardless.

These adverts primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers abusing its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

We have found many instances of AdLoad adware with browser-hijacking abilities in the past, yet SaveSysBoot did not exhibit these functionalities during testing.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually gathers private information, and data tracking might be among SaveSysBoot capabilities as well. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, the presence of software like SaveSysBoot on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by SaveSysBoot
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Agent-AHU [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), 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.
▼ 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 examined numerous adware-type applications; MouseOptionProtocolBroadband, and SyntaxDirection are merely a couple of examples.

Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious – it tends to look legitimate and ordinary. Users may be enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of various "advantageous" functionalities. However, these features are usually fake and nonoperational.

Note that even if an app or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.

How did SaveSysBoot install on my computer?

Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most visitors enter these webpages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Additionally, some intrusive advertisements can perform downloads/installations without user consent – upon being clicked. These adverts are utilized in adware distribution as well.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software can be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the device.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is crucial to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, and so forth.

We also advise being vigilant when browsing, as fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect users to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

If you keep encountering adverts 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 SaveSysBoot, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once SaveSysBoot installation is complete

SaveSysBoot adware's installation folder:

SaveSysBoot 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 SaveSysBoot adware using Combo Cleaner:

SaveSysBoot adware removal:

Remove SaveSysBoot-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-displayed advertisements may promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc. The presence of this software can result in a diminished browsing experience and system performance. Adware is also deemed to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by running intrusive ad campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying advertisements or visited websites and/or other interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit via content promotion (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove SaveSysBoot adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type applications installed. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted 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.

QR Code
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