How to eliminate the SystemConfig adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is SystemConfig?
While inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered the SystemConfig application. Our analysis of this app revealed that it operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family. SystemConfig is designed to display advertisements and may have additional harmful functionalities.
SystemConfig adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It runs intrusive advert campaigns, i.e., enables the placement of ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
These advertisements endorse various scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered through these ads is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if specific conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system, particular sites not visited, etc.). However, even if SystemConfig does not display adverts – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
Additionally, this app may have browser-hijacking traits as they are common to AdLoad adware, although it did not exhibit any during our analysis.
Furthermore, SystemConfig likely gathers private user information. Data of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can be monetized through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like SystemConfig on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SystemConfig |
| 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. |
Adware examples
We have inspected countless adware-type applications; DominantInfo, DigitalEntry, and DivisionType are merely a couple of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and innocuous. It also tends to offer various useful and advantageous functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SystemConfig install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to distribute adware.
The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Most users enter such webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Additionally, intrusive advertisements are used in adware proliferation. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software before download/installation or purchase. All downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Furthermore, installation must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We also advise exercising caution while browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep experiencing such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SystemConfig, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SystemConfig adware's installation is over:
SystemConfig 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
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Quick menu:
- What is SystemConfig?
- STEP 1. Remove SystemConfig related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SystemConfig ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SystemConfig adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SystemConfig ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SystemConfig adware using Combo Cleaner:
SystemConfig adware removal:
Remove SystemConfig-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software displays advertisements that endorse deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware typically has data-tracking abilities – and as such, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces. Some types can also cause redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit mainly through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SystemConfig adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be a perfect solution. 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 to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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