Removal instructions for the SkillChange adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SkillChange?
SkillChange is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Our researchers discovered this application while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal website. Advertising-supported software is designed to generate revenue through advertising, which is typically achieved by feeding users with unwanted and potentially malicious ads.
SkillChange adware overview
Adware operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., banners, pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites or different interfaces.
Note that this software might not work as intended if the browser/system specs or user geolocation is incompatible, particular sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Yet even if SkillChange does not deliver adverts – its presence on a device threatens system safety and user privacy.
Adware-displayed advertisements endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and even malware. Some can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform downloads/installations without user consent. Additionally, scammers may abuse the affiliate programs of genuine products/services to obtain illegitimate commissions by promoting this content through intrusive ads.
We have found many AdLoad applications with browser-hijacking abilities – however, SkillChange did not exhibit these functionalities during testing.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually possesses data-tracking capabilities, which likely applies to SkillChange. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like SkillChange on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SkillChange |
| 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. |
Adware examples
We have investigated countless adware samples; PracticalUpdater, BitService, and LocalAgent are merely a few of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually looks harmless and offers "handy" functionalities. However, these functions 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 irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SkillChange install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Furthermore, adware can have "official" download pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. They are primarily accessed via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive adverts spread advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential 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 additional apps, extensions, features, and so on.
We also advise caution when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SkillChange, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SkillChange adware's installation is over:
SkillChange 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 SkillChange?
- STEP 1. Remove SkillChange related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SkillChange ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SkillChange adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SkillChange ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SkillChange adware using Combo Cleaner:
SkillChange adware removal:
Remove SkillChange-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 may endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, or other serious problems. Additionally, this software usually gathers vulnerable information – therefore, it is classified as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some adware types can also force-open websites and collect sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue through content promotion (e.g., sites, software, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit is made via affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SkillChange adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. The remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.
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