How to eliminate SyncProcess adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SyncProcess?
We discovered SyncProcess adware while browsing new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. This application belongs to the AdLoad malware family. SyncProcess is designed to generate through advertising.
SyncProcess adware overview
Adware typically operates by placing third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, pop-ups, banners, surveys, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. These advertisements can promote various scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Some can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Remember that while legitimate content may be encountered via these adverts – it is unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who are motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the promoted product's affiliate programs.
Advertising-supported software might not work as designed if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether SyncProcess displays advertisements – it threatens system security and user safety.
AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities – however, we did not observe these qualities while investigating SyncProcess.
Additionally, adware usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to SyncProcess. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold third-parties.
To summarize, software like SyncProcess may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SyncProcess |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.29), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.g), 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
PracticalDisplay, ActivityOverall, EntryBox, and CenterArchive are merely some examples of adware-type applications we have analyzed recently. Software within this category looks harmless and offers various useful features. However, the promised functionalities are usually fake and nonoperational, as their only purpose is to entice users into downloading/installing the app/extension.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SyncProcess install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, or other suspicious sources – poses a threat of bundled content infiltrating the system. This risk is compounded by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. They are primarily accessed via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advance" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, tools, extensions, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive adverts may look ordinary/innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements 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 SyncProcess, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SyncProcess adware's installation is over:
SyncProcess 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 SyncProcess?
- STEP 1. Remove SyncProcess related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SyncProcess ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SyncProcess adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SyncProcess ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SyncProcess adware using Combo Cleaner:
SyncProcess adware removal:
Remove SyncProcess-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. Significant threats are posed by the content endorsed via adware-displayed advertisements (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware tends to have data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces, and some types are also capable of generating redirects and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content. The majority of the revenue is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SyncProcess adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. After the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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