How to remove the SaveScheduler adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SaveScheduler?
Our research team discovered SaveScheduler while browsing new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Upon examination, we determined that this app is advertising-supported software (adware). SaveScheduler is a part of the AdLoad malware family.
SaveScheduler adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. This is typically achieved by feeding users with undesirable and potentially dangerous advertisements. The third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, banners, pop-ups, coupons, etc.) can be displayed on various interfaces.
It must be mentioned that specific conditions may be required for advertising-supported software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if SaveScheduler does not display adverts – it threatens device safety and user privacy.
Ads delivered by adware can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and malware. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Remember that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely promoted by scammers, who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
While we have found many AdLoad applications with browser-hijacking capabilities in the past, we did not observe these qualities during our analysis of SaveScheduler.
Adware usually possesses data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of SaveScheduler. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. This vulnerable information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like SaveScheduler on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by SaveScheduler |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (Other:Malware-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.m), 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 written about countless adware-type applications and browser extensions; MegabyteExecute, ProtocolView, and Proboscideous.app are just a couple of our newest articles.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and harmless. It can also offer a wide variety of "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and most cases – they do not work at all. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates exactly as advertised – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SaveScheduler install on my computer?
Adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional webpages and scam sites. Most visitors to these pages access them via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
Caution is crucial to computer safety. Therefore, always research software before downloading/purchasing. Additionally, download only from official and verified sources. When installing, read terms, study options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.
Additionally, be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with adverts and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SaveScheduler, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SaveScheduler adware's installation is over:
SaveScheduler 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 SaveScheduler?
- STEP 1. Remove SaveScheduler related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SaveScheduler ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SaveScheduler adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SaveScheduler ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SaveScheduler adware using Combo Cleaner:
SaveScheduler adware removal:
Remove SaveScheduler-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?
Serious threats are posed by the content promoted through adware-delivered advertisements; they include potential system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, etc. Advertising-supported software can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered a privacy threat, as adware usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying advertisements on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and gathering sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by promoting various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SaveScheduler adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type apps that are present. Manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, adware and other undesirable software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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