How to uninstall the StyleHill adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is StyleHill?
StyleHill is a rogue application that we discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After investigating this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
StyleHill adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. These advertisements promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can even perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products and services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are highly unlikely to be promoted by their developers. Instead, it is most probable that this endorsement is performed by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, specific websites are not visited, etc.). However, even if StyleHill does not display adverts – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
This rogue application may have browser-hijacking abilities since they are common for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any such traits during testing.
What is more, StyleHill likely collects sensitive user information. Targeted data may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so forth. The gathered data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like StyleHill on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by StyleHill |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchpro), 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
LoyalShroud, EssentialLoop, and SearchProvided are just a couple examples of adware-type apps that we have analyzed recently.
This software typically appears legitimate and innocuous. It also offers a broad range of useful and advantageous functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did StyleHill install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is commonly pushed through scam websites. Users primarily enter such pages via redirects caused by sites that use rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive adverts are used to spread advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being careful while browsing since fake and dangerous content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep experiencing adverts/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 StyleHill, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once StyleHill adware's installation is over:
StyleHill 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 StyleHill?
- STEP 1. Remove StyleHill related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove StyleHill ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove StyleHill adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove StyleHill ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove StyleHill adware using Combo Cleaner:
StyleHill adware removal:
Remove StyleHill-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. This software displays advertisements that promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware typically has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware (advertising-supported software) is designed to display ads on various interfaces. Furthermore, some types can also generate redirect and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware (advertising-supported software) is designed to display ads on various interfaces. Furthermore, some types can also generate redirects and collect private information.
Will Combo Cleaner remove StyleHill adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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