Removing FilterSkill adware and the advertisements it displays

What kind of application is FilterSkill?

Our researchers discovered the FilterSkill application while investigating file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After examining FilterSkill, we learned that it is advertising-supported software (adware). This app is part of the AdLoad malware family. It is designed to feed users with unwanted and potentially malicious ads.

FilterSkill adware overview

Typically, adware places third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. In addition to diminishing the browsing experience (by overlaying webpages), these ads can promote deceptive and dangerous content.

It is noteworthy that specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether FilterSkill displays adverts – it threatens device integrity and user safety.

Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern with adware; some of its advertisements can be triggered to carry them out upon being clicked.

It must be mentioned that while legitimate products/services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is performed by scammers motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed continent's affiliate programs.

While AdLoad applications commonly possess browser-hijacking capabilities – we did not observe these qualities while testing the FilterSkill adware.

Additionally, FilterSkill may have data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for software within this classification. Targeted data may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. The collected data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like FilterSkill on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by FilterSkill
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. ▼ 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

FunctionGuide, InterfaceSignal, AgentSector, RankingDomainName, and FormatProtocol are merely some of our newest articles on adware.

Advertising-supported software seldom appears suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and harmless. Users may be lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of various "handy" features. However, these functions rarely work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be stressed that even if an app or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of legitimacy or safety.

How did FilterSkill install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The threat of inadvertently allowing access for bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent. These ads are also used to proliferate advertising-supported software.

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

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, features, and so forth.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing, as fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove FilterSkill adware using Combo Cleaner:

FilterSkill adware removal:

Remove FilterSkill-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. This software displays adverts endorsing content that may cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns. The software's primary functions can include placing ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove FilterSkill adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, after the adware has been removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.

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