Removing ServiceCreations adware-type app from your Mac

What kind of application is ServiceCreations?

ServiceCreations is an application discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Our analysis revealed that ServiceCreations is adware. It is also part of the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns.

ServiceCreations adware overview

Adware typically operates by placing third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, overlays, coupons, etc.) on visited websites or other interfaces. These advertisements can promote various scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that while legitimate content may be encountered via these ads – it is unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the promoted products' affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Additionally, specific conditions may be necessary for adware to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if ServiceCreations does not display adverts – it threatens system security and user privacy.

AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities, although we did not observe these qualities while testing the ServiceCreations app.

What is more, ServiceCreations likely has data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software. It usually collects browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like ServiceCreations on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ServiceCreations
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware examples

We have examined countless adware samples; HelperView, CyclePanel, DefaultView, and DiscoveryAdmin are merely some of our newest articles on software within this classification.

Adware typically appears harmless and offers useful features. However, these functionalities tend to be fake and nonoperational, as their sole purpose is to lure users into downloading/installing. Remember that even if a piece of software functions exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.

How did ServiceCreations install on my computer?

The bundling marketing technique, which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to proliferate adware.

The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites. They are predominantly accessed via redirects generated by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open sites).

Intrusive advertisements also spread advertising-supported software. Some of the ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software prior to downloading/purchasing. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and verified sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, features, etc.).

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., pornography, adult dating, gambling, scam-promoting, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ServiceCreations, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once ServiceCreations adware's installation is over:

ServiceCreations 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 ServiceCreations?
• STEP 1. Remove ServiceCreations related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove ServiceCreations ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove ServiceCreations adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove ServiceCreations ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove ServiceCreations adware using Combo Cleaner:

ServiceCreations adware removal:

Remove ServiceCreations-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-displayed advertisements may endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered a privacy threat, as adware usually possesses data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns. This software displays ads on various interfaces (e.g., visited websites, desktops, etc.). Additionally, adware may be capable of force-opening webpages and collecting private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ServiceCreations adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be a perfect solution. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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