Removal instructions for StandartSync adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is StandartSync?
Our researchers discovered the StandartSync rogue application during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis of this app revealed that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
StandartSync adware overview
Adware may require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (display ads), e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. However, regardless of whether StandartSync delivers advertisements - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Advertising-supported software endorses untrustworthy/harmful websites and software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can even stealthily download/install software - when clicked on.
It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate products encountered via these ads are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, StandartSync might have browser hijacker traits, as they are common for AdLoad adware; however, we did not observe any during testing.
What is more, StandartSync likely collects sensitive information. Data of interest can include: browsing and search engine histories, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be monetized through sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like StandartSync on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by StandartSync |
| 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.j), 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 countless adware-type applications; ManagerTemplate, PrimeAurora, and TextBoard are merely a few examples.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are lured into download/installation with promises of "handy" functionalities. However, these features are rarely operational, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did StandartSync install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Advertising-supported software is also promoted on websites offering dubious software and those running scams (e.g., fake updates, bogus virus alerts, etc.). Most users enter such pages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements are used to proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official and verified sources. Furthermore, when installing, it is crucial to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since illegitimate and fraudulent content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements look ordinary yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
If you experience such adverts and/or redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with StandartSync, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once StandartSync adware's installation is over:
StandartSync 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 StandartSync?
- STEP 1. Remove StandartSync related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove StandartSync ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove StandartSync adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove StandartSync ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove StandartSync adware using Combo Cleaner:
StandartSync adware removal:
Remove StandartSync-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It usually has data tracking abilities, which make it a privacy threat. Adware-delivered ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to enable the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs by acquiring websites, apps, products, services, etc. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove StandartSync adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - various components (files) stay within the system. What is more, the remnants can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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