How to eliminate SkilledModuleSearch adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SkilledModuleSearch?
Our researchers found the SkilledModuleSearch app while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal site. It is a piece of advertising-supported software (adware). Additionally, SkilledModuleSearch is part of the AdLoad malware family.
SkilledModuleSearch adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software displays ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These adverts endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can be triggered to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that any legitimate products/services encountered via these ads are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not display advertisements if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., incompatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, specific sites are not visited, etc. However, even if SkilledModuleSearch does not deliver intrusive advert campaigns – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Furthermore, AdLoad adware often has browser hijacker abilities, and this might be true of SkilledModuleSearch – although it did not exhibit such traits during testing.
What is more, SkilledModuleSearch likely has data-tracking functionalities. Information of interest includes: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like SkilledModuleSearch on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SkilledModuleSearch |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.14), DrWeb (Adware.Mac.Loader.198), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.l), 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 analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; UpgradeControl, SharedKey, FunctionValue, ExecutiveActivity, and DeveloperEngine are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears ordinary and innocuous. It also offers useful functionalities, which 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 guarantees neither legitimacy nor privacy.
How did SkilledModuleSearch install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together with) regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is also endorsed on scam websites. Most users access such webpages via redirects generated by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy sources. Another recommendation is to exercise caution when installing content, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
It is just as important to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous, but they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep experiencing advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SkilledModuleSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the SkilledModuleSearch adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.SkilledModuleSearch/SkilledModuleSearch
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.SkilledModuleSearchDaemon/SkilledModuleSearch
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.SkilledModuleSearch.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.SkilledModuleSearchDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps can create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:
1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar (Dock) and select "Profiles".
2) Locate all suspicious profiles and delete them.
3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.
After performing these actions, you can proceed with further removal steps for this adware.
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 SkilledModuleSearch?
- STEP 1. Remove SkilledModuleSearch related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SkilledModuleSearch ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SkilledModuleSearch adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SkilledModuleSearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SkilledModuleSearch adware using Combo Cleaner:
SkilledModuleSearch adware removal:
Remove SkilledModuleSearch-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. It displays advertisements that promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, this software usually has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of ads on various interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue predominantly through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SkilledModuleSearch adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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