Removal instructions for the Sighful.app adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is Sighful.app?
Sighful.app is a piece of rogue software discovered by our research team during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After analyzing this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). Sighful.app is part of the Pirrit malware family.
Sighful.app adware overview
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. Software within this classification typically enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, pop-ups, surveys, banners, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
It must be mentioned that adware might not operate as intended if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether Sighful.app displays ads – it remains a threat to device and user safety.
Adware-delivered advertisements mainly endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and potential malware. Some intrusive adverts can even be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that Pirrit applications may have browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe these qualities while testing Sighful.app.
Advertising-supported software usually gathers private information, and data tracking might be among Sighful.app's functionalities. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. This vulnerable information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like Sighful.app on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Sighful.app |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:MaxOfferDeal-DB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27558), ESET-NOD32 (OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BM), 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
Skat.app, PlatformIndex, Catbird.app, ExploreDesktop, and SimpleCache are just some examples of adware-type apps we have examined recently.
This software tends to look legitimate and innocuous. Adware can also offer a wide variety of features to entice users into downloading/installing it. However, these functions are usually fake and nonoperational. It must be stressed that functional features do not serve as proof of a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did Sighful.app install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Some intrusive advertisements are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. These ads are also utilized in adware proliferation.
Additionally, advertising-supported software is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites. Users primarily access these webpages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and verified sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, investigating possible 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 fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their ordinary/harmless appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Sighful.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
When removing Sighful.app, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "Sighful.app"):
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/StartupItems
Pop-up window displayed when Sighful.app adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Sighful.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 Sighful.app?
- STEP 1. Remove Sighful.app related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Sighful.app ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Sighful.app adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Sighful.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Sighful.app adware removal:
Remove Sighful.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-delivered adverts commonly promote harmful content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The software's presence on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware is also deemed to be a threat to user privacy since it typically has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It generates revenue through advertising. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, products, software, services, etc.). Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Sighful.app adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be an ideal solution. After the software has been manually removed – various file remnants can stay hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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