FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

How to remove SkilledAccess adware from the operating system

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

What kind of application is SkilledAccess?

Our research team discovered the SkilledAccess adware while checking out new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. SkilledAccess operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns.

SkilledAccess adware

SkilledAccess adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, coupons, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

These adverts commonly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some can even execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that while legitimate products/services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to deliver intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether SkilledAccess displays advertisements – it remains a threat to system/user safety.

We have found many AdLoad applications with browser-hijacking capabilities, but we did not observe these traits while analyzing SkilledAccess.

Adware usually gathers sensitive information, and data tracking might be among SkilledAccess' functions. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, advertising-supported software like SkilledAccess may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by SkilledAccess
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.
▼ 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

TechLookupToolProgramIndexer, and NetField are but a few examples of adware we have investigated recently. Software within this classification typically appears legitimate and offers handy functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. Note that even if an app or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.

How did SkilledAccess install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.

Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed by scam sites. Users primarily access these pages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive advertisements. Some of these adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.

We also advise being vigilant while browsing, as fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look ordinary and innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SkilledAccess, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once SkilledAccess installation is complete

SkilledAccess adware's installation folder:

SkilledAccess 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 SkilledAccess adware using Combo Cleaner:

SkilledAccess adware removal:

Remove SkilledAccess-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 can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays advertisements that endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Furthermore, advertising-supported software is considered to be a privacy threat since it typically has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software can display third-party graphical content (adverts) on various interfaces. Some adware types can also generate redirects and collect sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove SkilledAccess adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion

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.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

QR Code
Ads by SkilledAccess QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by SkilledAccess on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Mac malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner for Mac

Platform: macOS

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.