How to remove the SystemSmarter adware-type application from your Mac

What kind of application is SystemSmarter?

SystemSmarter is the name of a rogue application that we discovered while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal site. Our examination revealed that this app is adware and that it belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

SystemSmarter adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to feed users with unwanted/deceptive advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, banners, etc.) is displayed on visited websites and/or different interfaces.

Adware-delivered adverts mainly promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and potential malware. Once clicked on, some of these ads can even execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

It must be mentioned that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is performed by scammers who abuse the continent's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether the SystemSmarter app displays ads – its presence on a system remains a threat.

AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities; however, SystemSmarter did not exhibit any such abilities during testing.

Adware usually collects sensitive user information, and this might apply to SystemSmarter. Targeted data can include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, advertising-supported software like SystemSmarter may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by SystemSmarter
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), Fortinet (Adware/Synataeb!OSX), 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. ▼ 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 numerous adware-type apps; RiddleStack, MergeFlow, SeasonValue, StoreFlow, and SphereSpace are just some examples.

In most cases, advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers a broad range of handy functionalities. However, the promised features are usually fake and nonoperational. Keep in mind that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.

How did SystemSmarter install on my computer?

The bundling marketing tactic – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to proliferate adware. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users typically access these pages via redirects generated by websites that use rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Some of the adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, features, etc.).

We advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look ordinary/innocuous – they redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with adverts 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 SystemSmarter, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove SystemSmarter adware using Combo Cleaner:

SystemSmarter adware removal:

Remove SystemSmarter-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-displayed ads promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). It can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, this software is classified as a privacy threat since it usually collects private data.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying advertisements on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers might earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove SystemSmarter adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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