How to eliminate the SaveSysBoot adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SaveSysBoot?
Our researchers found the SaveSysBoot application while checking out new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. After investigating this piece of software, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. SaveSysBoot runs intrusive advertisement campaigns, and it may have additional harmful capabilities.
SaveSysBoot adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It generates revenue for its developers through advertising. Typically, adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces like desktops, visited websites, etc.
Software within this category may not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if SaveSysBoot does not display advertisements – it endangers device and user safety regardless.
These adverts primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers abusing its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
We have found many instances of AdLoad adware with browser-hijacking abilities in the past, yet SaveSysBoot did not exhibit these functionalities during testing.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually gathers private information, and data tracking might be among SaveSysBoot capabilities as well. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like SaveSysBoot on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by SaveSysBoot |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-AHU [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), 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 numerous adware-type applications; MouseOption, ProtocolBroadband, and SyntaxDirection are merely a couple of examples.
Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious – it tends to look legitimate and ordinary. Users may be enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of various "advantageous" functionalities. However, these features are usually fake and nonoperational.
Note that even if an app or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SaveSysBoot install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most visitors enter these webpages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Additionally, some intrusive advertisements can perform downloads/installations without user consent – upon being clicked. These adverts are utilized in adware distribution as well.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software can be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the device.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is crucial to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, and so forth.
We also advise being vigilant when browsing, as fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect users to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SaveSysBoot, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SaveSysBoot adware's installation is over:
SaveSysBoot 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 SaveSysBoot?
- STEP 1. Remove SaveSysBoot related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SaveSysBoot ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SaveSysBoot adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SaveSysBoot ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SaveSysBoot adware using Combo Cleaner:
SaveSysBoot adware removal:
Remove SaveSysBoot-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-displayed advertisements may promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc. The presence of this software can result in a diminished browsing experience and system performance. Adware is also deemed to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by running intrusive ad campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying advertisements or visited websites and/or other interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit via content promotion (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SaveSysBoot adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type applications installed. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.
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