How to uninstall SupportSkyReference from the operating system

What kind of application is SupportSkyReference?

SupportSkyReference is an advertising-supported application, commonly referred to as an adware. Adware like SupportSkyReference is typically considered unwanted due to its intrusive advertising practices and the potential for compromising user privacy and system performance. Thus, users should remove apps of this type from their devices.

SupportSkyReference adware in detail

The primary purpose of SupportSkyReference is to generate revenue for its creators by delivering ads to a wide audience. These ads can be highly intrusive, disrupting the online experience by appearing as pop-ups or banners and redirecting users to legitimate and (or) shady websites. While the creators of adware often claim that these ads enhance the user's experience, they can be misleading.

Apps like SupportSkyReference often display misleading ads that use tactics like fake system alerts, phishing scams, clickbait, hidden disclosure, and manipulative language to capture users' attention. These ads can be damaging to the user experience, potentially leading to privacy breaches, financial loss, computer infections, or frustration.

Furthermore, SupportSkyReference may collect a variety of data from users, without clear consent. This data can include browsing history, search queries, IP addresses, geolocation information, etc. Moreover, this app may be designed to read passwords, credit card details, and more. This information can be used for malicious purposes and potentially shared with third parties.

Additionally, SupportSkyReference may be designed to function as a browser hijacker by making changes to a user's web browser settings. It may alter the user's homepage and default search engine settings, redirecting them to a specific website (e.g., a fake search engine). It is worth noting that such apps are notorious for being challenging to remove.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by SupportSkyReference
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), 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

In conclusion, SupportSkyReference, classified as adware and potentially functioning as a browser hijacker, is a type of software that can significantly disrupt the user's online experience. Users should exercise caution when encountering such applications and consider using security software to prevent the negative impact of adware and browser hijackers on their systems.

Examples of apps similar to SupportSkyReference are FilterBoard, HyperTextInternet, and ProcesserFlow.

How did SupportSkyReference install on my computer?

Users may inadvertently install adware when they download and install software from unreliable sources (e.g., third-party downloaders or unofficial pages) without closely examining the installation process. In such cases, adware is hidden in installers behind "Custom", "Advanced", or similar settings.

Misleading or enticing ads that promise benefits like free software, discounts, or prizes can prompt users to click on them. These ads can also lead to adware downloads or installations. In other cases, these installations occur via fake update alerts, phishing emails, and similar channels.

In most cases, the installation of adware occurs unintentionally or due to a lack of caution when interacting with online content.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Obtain software and apps from official websites or reputable app stores to reduce the risk of bundled adware. Pay close attention during software installations. Read the prompts carefully, and opt for custom or advanced installation to reject unwanted offers. Avoid clicking on ads that promise unrealistic benefits or look suspicious.

Avoid downloading cracked or pirated software, and be cautious when dealing with unsolicited emails (especially if they contain attachments or links). Regularly update your operating system and software. Install and maintain reputable antivirus or anti-malware software.

If your computer is already infected with SupportSkyReference, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

The message that shows up after installing SupportSkyReference:

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

Video showing how to remove SupportSkyReference adware using Combo Cleaner:

SupportSkyReference adware removal:

Remove SupportSkyReference-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 create many issues for users. It brings annoying ads, slows down computers, and poses privacy risks. It can also lead users to security threats by redirecting them to harmful websites or scams.

What does adware do?

Adware's primary goal is to show ads to users. It might also collect data about users' online activities and impact web browser settings.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers typically generate revenue by promoting various products, websites or services. Most of money is generated via affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove SupportSkyReference adware?

Adware developers earn money by advertising various products, pages, or services to users. A significant part of their earnings comes from participating in affiliate programs. In these programs, they earn commissions when they direct users to specific products or services or through actions like making purchases or creating online accounts.

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