Removal instructions for SyncGuide adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SyncGuide?
While inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal site, our research team discovered the SyncGuide app. Upon examination, it became evident that this application is adware from the AdLoad malware family. SyncGuide is designed to feed users with undesirable and harmful ads. It might also possess other capabilities.
SyncGuide adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It generates revenue for its developers through advertising. Typically, this entails placing third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, coupons, etc.) on various interfaces like visited websites, desktops, or others.
The advertisements can promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that while legitimate content may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Adware may need specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system scans, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if SyncGuide does not display ads – it remains a threat to device and user safety.
While AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities, we did not observe them while analyzing the SyncGuide adware.
This rogue application likely possesses data-tracking abilities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software. Data of interest can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. The collected data can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like SyncGuide on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SyncGuide |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27928), 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
We have investigated countless adware samples; BasisService, DynamicReady, and DynamicHelper are merely a couple of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software tends to look ordinary and innocuous. Users are lured into downloading/installing by promises of various functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as indicated by the promotional material, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be emphasized that even if an application or extension has operational features – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SyncGuide install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. This pre-packed content can infiltrate systems through dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and due to rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate this software as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Additionally, advertising-supported software is endorsed on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most users access such pages via redirects generated by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SyncGuide, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SyncGuide adware's installation is over:
SyncGuide 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 SyncGuide?
- STEP 1. Remove SyncGuide related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SyncGuide ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SyncGuide adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SyncGuide ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SyncGuide adware using Combo Cleaner:
SyncGuide adware removal:
Remove SyncGuide-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 ads can promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Its presence on a system may decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, advertising-supported software is considered a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. It displays advertisements on various interfaces, and some types can also force-open sites and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SyncGuide adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and remove installed adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the software has been manually removed – various file remnants stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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