How to eliminate SkyWard adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is SkyWard?
SkyWard is a rogue app that our researchers discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this piece of software, we learned that it operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
SkyWard adware overview
Adware may require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether SkyWard displays advertisements - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Adware-delivered ads endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations - when clicked on.
It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are unlikely to be promoted by their developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
What is more, SkyWard may have browser hijacker abilities since they are typical for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during testing.
Advertising-supported software usually collects private data, and this likely applies to SkyWard. Targeted information can include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial/banking data, etc. The gathered information is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like SkyWard on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SkyWard |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.26768), 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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; DigitalInitiator, LogLibrary, and FrequencyPlatform are just a few examples. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are lured into download/installation with promises of "handy" functionalities. However, these functions are seldom operational.
How did SkyWard install on my computer?
"Bundling" - packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions - is used to proliferate adware. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution. Advertising-supported software is distributed through intrusive adverts as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
Adware is also promoted through dubious download webpages and scam websites. Most users enter these deceptive sites via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software products and downloading only from official and trustworthy sources. Additionally, installations must be approached with care. Therefore, we advise reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SkyWard, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SkyWard adware's installation is over:
SkyWard 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 SkyWard?
- STEP 1. Remove SkyWard related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SkyWard ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SkyWard adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SkyWard ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SkyWard adware using Combo Cleaner:
SkyWard adware removal:
Remove SkyWard-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 can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered to be a privacy threat, as this software typically has data tracking functionalities. Furthermore, adware-delivered advertisements endorse deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, advertising-supported software displays ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SkyWard adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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