Removal instructions for the SyncRemote adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is SyncRemote?
Our researchers discovered the SyncRemote application while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal site. After analyzing this software, we determined that it is adware. SyncRemote is part of the AdLoad malware family.
SyncRemote adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. Typically, software within this classification displays ads on various interfaces (e.g., visited websites, desktops, etc.).
However, adware may require certain conditions to run intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc.). Regardless of whether SyncRemote delivers advertisements – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Adware-delivered adverts promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely endorsed by scammers abusing its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, AdLoad apps may possess browser-hijacking abilities, and while this could apply to SyncRemote – we did not observe these functionalities during testing.
What is more, SyncRemote might possess data-tracking abilities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like SyncRemote on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SyncRemote |
| 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.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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
ElementEntry, FormatLocator, and GlobalHelper are just a couple of our latest articles on adware-type apps. Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and innocuous.
Users may be enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of various functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of legitimacy or safety.
How did SyncRemote install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing technique – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions.
These pre-packed installation setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other dubious channels. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is furthered by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.)
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Some of the adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Additionally, advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors enter these webpages via redirects caused by spam browser notifications, websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open browsers).
How to avoid installation of adware?
Caution is essential to ensuring device and user safety. Therefore, research software before downloading and purchasing. Download only from official and trustworthy sources. Approach installations with care by studying terms and options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Furthermore, be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – yet they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SyncRemote, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SyncRemote adware's installation is over:
SyncRemote 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 SyncRemote?
- STEP 1. Remove SyncRemote related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SyncRemote ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SyncRemote adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SyncRemote ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
SyncRemote adware removal:
Remove SyncRemote-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 advertisements promote content that may cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The presence of this software on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware also tends to have data-tracking capabilities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions may include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove SyncRemote adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be ideal. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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