Removal instructions for SmartCharacter adware and the adverts it delivers

What kind of application is SmartCharacter?

While investigating new file submissions to the VirusTotal website, our researchers discovered the SmartCharacter app. It is classed as advertising-supported software (adware). SmartCharacter is part of the AdLoad malware family. This application is designed to feed users with unwanted and potentially malicious ads.

SmartCharacter adware overview

Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These advertisements primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that while legitimate content may be encountered via these adverts – it is unlikely to be promoted in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether SmartCharacter displays advertisements – it endangers device integrity and user privacy.

While AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities, we did not observe these qualities while analyzing SmartCharacter.

Adware usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to the SmartCharacter application. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by SmartCharacter
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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 investigated numerous adware samples; OpticalSkill, SystemCyberspace, and ClearPartition are merely a couple of our latest finds. Software within this category usually appears genuine and innocuous. It can also offer various "useful" functionalities, which seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.

How did SmartCharacter install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using the "bundling" marketing technique in which ordinary program installers are packed with unwanted/malicious supplements.

The risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive advertisements as well. Upon being clicked, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed through scam websites. Most users access these pages via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Additionally all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

If you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SmartCharacter, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove SmartCharacter adware using Combo Cleaner:

SmartCharacter adware removal:

Remove SmartCharacter-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 ads primarily promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). The presence of advertising-supported software on a device may diminish browsing quality and system performance. This software is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it typically has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns. It enables the placement of adverts on visited webpages and/or different interfaces. Additionally, some types can also cause redirects and gather sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates profit mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove SmartCharacter adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the software has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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