How to remove the SkillsRefer adware and the ads it delivers

What kind of application is SkillsRefer?

While inspecting new file submissions to the VirusTotal site, we discovered the SkillsRefer application. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. SkillsRefer belongs to the AdLoad malware family. This app is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns.

SkillsRefer adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, etc.) primarily promotes online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

It is noteworthy that while legitimate content may be encountered through these advertisements – it is highly unlikely to be promoted by its developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Even if SkillsRefer does not display ads – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

While AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking qualities, we did not observe these traits while testing the SkillsRefer app.

Adware typically has data-tracking abilities, and SkillsRefer may have them as well. Information of interest can include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like SkillsRefer on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by SkillsRefer
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), 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 thousands of adware-type apps; SectionOperation, SoftwareSkillMatrix, and ShoutSystem are merely a few examples.

Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers "handy" functionalities. These functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Keep in mind that even if an app or an extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did SkillsRefer install on my computer?

The bundling marketing method – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to distribute adware.

Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Users mainly enter these webpages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Furthermore, advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive adverts. Upon being clicked, intrusive 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 only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).

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

In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SkillsRefer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove SkillsRefer adware using Combo Cleaner:

SkillsRefer adware removal:

Remove SkillsRefer-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-delivered advertisements promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware usually collects vulnerable data – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays adverts on various interfaces. Furthermore, some adware types can generate redirects and collect private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing content. The developers might earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove SkillsRefer adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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