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How to remove SignalUpdater from the operating system

Also Known As: Ads by SignalUpdater
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is SignalUpdater?

It has been discovered that SignalUpdater falls into a category known as adware, which is software designed to bombard users with intrusive advertisements. Adware developers often distribute it by using deceptive methods. The modus operandi of apps like SignalUpdater raises several concerns, including privacy, security, and the overall user experience.

SignalUpdater adware

SignalUpdater adware in detail

Apps like SignalUpdater notably degrade the user experience. The incessant inundation of unwanted advertisements can render web browsing exasperating and disrupt regular online activities. Pop-up ads, banners, and other forms of advertising can considerably impede device performance and hinder users' ability to access desired content, ultimately diminishing their overall device satisfaction.

Additionally, SignalUpdater has the potential to showcase malicious ads that can trigger the opening of websites hosting malware or questionable content. Such occurrences can lead to severe security vulnerabilities, including the inadvertent installation of malicious software like ransomware or spyware, potentially resulting in data compromise or system harm.

Another concerning facet of applications like SignalUpdater is their capacity to jeopardize user privacy. These apps frequently gather data concerning users' browsing patterns, search queries, and even personal details, subsequently employing this information for targeted advertising or other purposes.

This data collection poses a substantial privacy threat, as users might remain uninformed regarding the utilization and sharing of their information, potentially leading to unwarranted privacy breaches.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by SignalUpdater
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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.

More about adware

At times, ad-supported applications have the capability to take control of web browsers by altering their configurations. Browser hijacking typically involves modifications to the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page, changing them to a specific address. It is a common practice for browser-hijacking applications to endorse counterfeit search engines, which often yield deceptive search results.

Some examples of apps that share similarities with SignalUpdater are ShoutSystem, ReserveBroadband, and ProjectorDigital.

How did SignalUpdater install on my computer?

Adware often finds its way onto users' devices through deceptive tactics. One common method involves bundled software downloads, where adware is packaged alongside other (mainly free) programs, catching users off guard. Deceptive ads and alluring offers also play a role, tricking users into clicking on links or downloading files that happen to contain adware.

Moreover, adware can sneak in through the guise of fake software updates and phishing emails. Additionally, unexpected installations can occur when users visit websites designed to trigger drive-by downloads, further contributing to the spread of adware.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Download software and apps only from reputable and official websites or app stores. Avoid obtaining programs from unverified or suspicious sources. During software installation, carefully review each step and uncheck any boxes offering additional, unrelated software. Regularly update your operating system, browsers, and security software.

Exercise caution when clicking on links in emails, especially from unfamiliar senders, and be wary of pop-up ads or prompts on websites. If your computer is already infected with SignalUpdater, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

The message that appears after the installation of SignalUpdater:

The message that appears after the installation of SignalUpdater

SignalUpdater's installation folder:

SignalUpdater'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:

Video showing how to remove SignalUpdater adware using Combo Cleaner:

SignalUpdater adware removal:

Remove SignalUpdater-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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 disrupt the browsing experience by rendering websites harder to navigate, and it also possesses the ability to jeopardize user privacy while negatively affecting a computer's overall performance.

What does adware do?

The primary aim of adware is to deliver advertisements to users. Moreover, it can be designed to gather data on users' online activities and hijack web browsers.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Developers of adware commonly generate revenue by promoting a variety of products, websites, or services, and a substantial portion of their income is generated through participation in affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove SignalUpdater adware?

Combo Cleaner performs comprehensive computer scans to identify and eliminate adware-type and other suspicious, including malicious applications. Relying on a trusted tool like Combo Cleaner is recommended to ensure the complete removal of adware from your computer.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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