Removal instructions for the ServiceDesk adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ServiceDesk?
Our researchers discovered ServiceDesk while browsing file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Upon inspection, we determined that this application is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Software within this classification is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.
ServiceDesk adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its most common modus operandi is displaying advertisements (e.g., banners, pop-ups, overlays, coupons, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
However, certain conditions may be necessary for adware to function as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). Even if ServiceDesk does not deliver ads – it remains a threat to device integrity and user safety.
Adware-displayed adverts can endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and malware. Some can even perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is worth mentioning that while genuine content may be encountered via these advertisements – it is unlikely to be promoted by its developers or other official parties. This promotion is most likely undertaken by scammers who abuse the endorsed product's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad adware may also function as browser hijackers – however, we did not observe these abilities while examining the ServiceDesk app.
Advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to ServiceDesk. Information of interest can include browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can be shared with or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, advertising-supported software like ServiceDesk may cause system infections, severe issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ServiceDesk |
| 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 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
OperativeIndexer, WebTemplate, and ElementEntry are just a couple examples of adware-type applications. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers handy functionalities. However, it seldom works as promised, and in most cases – all its features are nonoperational.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.
How did ServiceDesk install on my computer?
Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. They are primarily accessed via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open pages).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by being inattentive when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate 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?
It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing. We recommend downloading only from official and trustworthy channels. When installing, we advise studying terms and options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of additional apps, tools, extensions, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ServiceDesk, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ServiceDesk adware's installation is over:
ServiceDesk 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 ServiceDesk?
- STEP 1. Remove ServiceDesk related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ServiceDesk ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ServiceDesk adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ServiceDesk ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
ServiceDesk adware removal:
Remove ServiceDesk-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 may promote content that can cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The software's presence on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it usually has data-trucking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware's primary functions can include displaying third-party graphical content (adverts) on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., sites, software, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove ServiceDesk adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type applications that are present. Note that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be ideal. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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