How to remove SystemRecord adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is SystemRecord?
We discovered SystemRecord while investigating new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After analyzing this application, we learned that it is advertising-supported software (adware). SystemRecord is part of the AdLoad malware family.
SystemRecord adware overview
The purpose of adware is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. Typically, the software achieves this by feeding users with undesirable and potentially dangerous advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, coupons, etc.) can be displayed on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
These ads often promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and malware. Some can even be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed by any official parties. This endorsement is most likely undertaken by scammers who are motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the promoted content's affiliate programs.
Adware might not operate as intended if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether SystemRecord displays advertisements – the app endangers device integrity and user safety.
AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities – however, SystemRecord did not exhibit these traits (i.e., did not hijack browsers) during our analysis.
Advertising-supported software usually possesses data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to SystemRecord. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like SystemRecord on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SystemRecord |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to the 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 apps; MapperRanking, Capmaking.app, and FractionInterface are just a couple of our latest finds. Software within this category usually appears legitimate and offers useful features. However, its functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
Keep in mind that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not prove its legitimacy or safety.
How did SystemRecord install on my computer?
Adware is endorsed on innocent-looking promotional webpages and scam sites. They are primarily accessed via redirects generated by intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
"Bundling" – the marketing technique that involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to proliferate adware.
The threat of unintentionally permitting bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by approaching installations with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements as well. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and trustworthy sources. Installation processes have to be approached with caution by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – yet redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep experiencing advertisements/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 SystemRecord, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SystemRecord adware's installation is over:
SystemRecord 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 SystemRecord?
- STEP 1. Remove SystemRecord related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SystemRecord ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SystemRecord adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SystemRecord ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
SystemRecord adware removal:
Remove SystemRecord-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?
The presence of adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software displays advertisements that can promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Adware usually has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion. The developers/publishers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar. Most of the profit is made via affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SystemRecord adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. After the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) can stay hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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