How to eliminate SoftwareSkillMatrix adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SoftwareSkillMatrix?
SoftwareSkillMatrix is a rogue application that we discovered while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal website. Our analysis revealed that it is advertising-supported software (adware). SoftwareSkillMatrix is part of the AdLoad malware family.
SoftwareSkillMatrix adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. This software enables the placement of advertisements on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. This third-party graphical content primarily promotes online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that while legitimate products/services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be necessary for adware to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns, such as a compatible browser/system, visits to particular websites, etc. However, even if SoftwareSkillMatrix does not display advertisements – its presence endangers device/user safety.
While AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking abilities, we did not observe these features while testing SoftwareSkillMatrix.
Furthermore, this rogue application may have data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for adware. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. This sensitive data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like SoftwareSkillMatrix on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SoftwareSkillMatrix |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.32), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), 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 examined thousands of adware samples; SignalUpdater, ShoutSystem, ReserveBroadband, and ProjectorDigital are merely a few of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers "handy" features. However, these functions 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 works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SoftwareSkillMatrix install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing tactic – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions.
The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels, such as freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party sources. The risk is compounded by rushing through installation processes, e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects caused by websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SoftwareSkillMatrix, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SoftwareSkillMatrix adware's installation is over:
SoftwareSkillMatrix 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 SoftwareSkillMatrix?
- STEP 1. Remove SoftwareSkillMatrix related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SoftwareSkillMatrix ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SoftwareSkillMatrix adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SoftwareSkillMatrix ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SoftwareSkillMatrix adware using Combo Cleaner:
SoftwareSkillMatrix adware removal:
Remove SoftwareSkillMatrix-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 delivers ads that endorse content capable of causing system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. Primary functions may include displaying adverts on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SoftwareSkillMatrix adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, various file leftovers stay hidden within the system even after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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