How to eliminate SmartRecord adware from the operating system

What is SmartRecord?

SmartRecord is a rogue app that we discovered while looking through new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. Additionally, it is noteworthy that SmartRecord is part of the AdLoad malware family.

SmartRecord adware overview

Advertising-supported software (adware) displays advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The ads promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous sites and apps, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can make stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

While legitimate content might be encountered via these ads, it is most likely promoted by scammers abusing its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Adware will not deliver advertisements if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, particular websites are not visited, etc. However, regardless of whether SmartRecord displays ads - its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.

What is more, SmartRecord might have browser hijacker traits, as they are common for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during testing.

Advertising-supported software usually gathers sensitive data, and this likely is true of SmartRecord. Targeted data can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial/banking information, etc. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like SmartRecord on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by SmartRecord
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), 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. ▼ 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 analyzed thousands of rogue applications; OutlookWade, VictorSurge, LivingAware, and RadioTerabyteSpeed are merely some examples. Adware usually looks harmless and offers "handy" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.

How did SmartRecord install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs/media. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Advertising-supported software can also have "official" download pages, and it is pushed through scam websites. Most users enter these sites via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, and adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Additionally, intrusive advertisements are used to distribute this software. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official and verified channels. It is just as important to be careful when installing. Therefore, we advise reading terms, studying possible options, and using the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out of all supplementary apps, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious content typically appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless, yet they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).

If you experience advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SmartRecord, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

SmartRecord 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 SmartRecord?
• STEP 1. Remove SmartRecord related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove SmartRecord ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove SmartRecord adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove SmartRecord ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove SmartRecord adware using Combo Cleaner:

SmartRecord adware removal:

Remove SmartRecord-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 displays ads on visited sites and/or other interfaces. The ads can slow down the browsing speed and overlay webpage content. Furthermore, they can be deceptive/malicious and cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software is also considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it often has data tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware enables the placement of advertisements on various interfaces. Additionally, it may be capable of force-opening webpages and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, software, products, services, and so forth.

Will Combo Cleaner remove SmartRecord adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. Since even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - various leftovers (files) can remain within the system. Furthermore, the remnants might continue running and causing issues. Hence, adware must be removed thoroughly.

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