How to remove SkilledAccess adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SkilledAccess?
Our research team discovered the SkilledAccess adware while checking out new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. SkilledAccess operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns.
SkilledAccess adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, coupons, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
These adverts commonly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some can even execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products/services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to deliver intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether SkilledAccess displays advertisements – it remains a threat to system/user safety.
We have found many AdLoad applications with browser-hijacking capabilities, but we did not observe these traits while analyzing SkilledAccess.
Adware usually gathers sensitive information, and data tracking might be among SkilledAccess' functions. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, advertising-supported software like SkilledAccess may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SkilledAccess |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), 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
TechLookupTool, ProgramIndexer, and NetField are but a few examples of adware we have investigated recently. Software within this classification typically appears legitimate and offers handy functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. Note that even if an app or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.
How did SkilledAccess install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed by scam sites. Users primarily access these pages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive advertisements. Some of these adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
We also advise being vigilant while browsing, as fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look ordinary and innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SkilledAccess, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SkilledAccess adware's installation is over:
SkilledAccess 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
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Quick menu:
- What is SkilledAccess?
- STEP 1. Remove SkilledAccess related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SkilledAccess ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SkilledAccess adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SkilledAccess ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SkilledAccess adware using Combo Cleaner:
SkilledAccess adware removal:
Remove SkilledAccess-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays advertisements that endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Furthermore, advertising-supported software is considered to be a privacy threat since it typically has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software can display third-party graphical content (adverts) on various interfaces. Some adware types can also generate redirects and collect sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove SkilledAccess adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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