Removing the Skat.app adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is Skat.app?
While inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our research team discovered an application called Skat.app. Upon inspection, we determined that it is adware belonging to the Pirrit malware family. Skat.app is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and potentially harmful advertisements.
Skat.app adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It usually operates by displaying ads (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, banners, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
Specific conditions may be required for adware to function as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether Skat.app delivers adverts – its presence on a system remains a threat to device/user safety.
Adware-displayed advertisements primarily promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
While legitimate products/services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. This is most probably undertaken by scammers seeking to acquire illegitimate commissions through the abuse of the promoted content's affiliate programs.
While we have found several instances of Pirrit adware-type applications with browser hijacker capabilities, Skat.app did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.
Furthermore, this rogue application might have data-tracking functionalities. Advertising-supported software typically collects the following information: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, software like Skat.app may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Skat.app |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-CH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Pirrit.KF), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BP), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to the Pirrit 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 investigated thousands of adware-type applications; Catbird.app, ExploreDesktop, and ParameterBuffer are merely a couple of examples.
Software within this category rarely appears suspicious – it tends to look legitimate and innocuous. Adware can also offer a broad range of handy features to lure users into downloading/installing it. These functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Skat.app install on my computer?
The bundling marketing tactic – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to proliferate adware.
Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Furthermore, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional webpages and scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects generated by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Some intrusive advertisements are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. These adverts are also used in adware distribution.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Another recommendation is to download only from official and trustworthy channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.
We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering adverts/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Skat.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
When removing Skat.app, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "Skat.app"):
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/StartupItems
Pop-up window displayed when Skat.app adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Skat.app" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on a unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
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 Skat.app?
- STEP 1. Remove Skat.app related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Skat.app ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Skat.app adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Skat.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Skat.app adware removal:
Remove Skat.app-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays advertisements capable of promoting harmful content, which in turn may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, advertising-supported software is classified as a privacy threat, as it usually gathers sensitive information.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces. Some adware types are also capable of force-opening webpages and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue via content promotion. Its developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar. The majority of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Skat.app adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type applications present. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be ideal. After the adware has been manually removed – various file remnants can stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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