How to remove SyncUpgrade from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is SyncUpgrade?
We have tested the SyncUpgrade application and found that it is designed to bombard users with intrusive and annoying advertisements. In addition to functioning as adware, SyncUpgrade may be capable of accessing personal information. Another reason not to install SyncUpgrade is that multiple security vendors flag it as malicious.
SyncUpgrade adware in detail
SyncUpgrade can display intrusive advertisements, such as pop-ups, banners, and video ads, often promoting dubious products or services. These ads may redirect users to potentially harmful websites or install additional unwanted software, disrupting the browsing experience and posing security risks.
Clicking advertisements delivered by SyncUpgrade can take users to web pages hosting technical support scams, fake giveaways, malicious applications, etc. These sites can be used to steal money or personal information (e.g., passwords or credit card details) from users or to trick users into infecting computers with malware.
Besides displaying intrusive ads, SyncUpgrade may gather personal information, such as browsing habits and search queries and slow down system performance. The collected data may be sold to third parties or misused in other ways. Furthermore, users may not be able to remove SyncUpgrade manually.
In such cases, users typically need specialized anti-malware tools to ensure complete and safe removal of the adware. Overall, it is highly advisable to avoid installing SyncUpgrade and remove the app (or other adware) as soon as possible if it is already present.
| Name | Ads by SyncUpgrade |
| 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 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. |
Conclusion
Adware poses risks by displaying intrusive ads, collecting personal data, and potentially leading to malware infections. Its presence can compromise user privacy, degrade system performance, and create security vulnerabilities. Utilizing reliable anti-malware tools and practicing cautious online behavior are essential to prevent and remove adware effectively.
More examples of adware-type apps targeting macOS are QuestSection, WebIntegration, and MicroAccessibility.
How did SyncUpgrade install on my computer?
Adware often becomes installed through bundling when packaged with other software (often shady or free). Users inadvertently agree to its installation by failing to notice or uncheck pre-selected options during software installation.
Also, users can install adware through downloads from unofficial websites or app stores, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, and similar sources. Additionally, adware can spread via deceptive advertisements, pop-ups, and similar elements on dubious web pages.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Always download apps and files from reputable sources like official app stores or trusted websites. During installation, carefully review the "Custom" or "Advanced" options to deselect suspicious or unwanted apps. Do not trust ads, pop-ups, or links on questionable sites, and keep your system, security software, and other applications up to date.
Moreover, refrain from agreeing to receive notifications from untrustworthy websites and avoid clicking on links or opening files in suspicious emails. If your computer is already infected with SyncUpgrade, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A message that appears after the installation of SyncUpgrade:
SyncUpgrade 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 SyncUpgrade?
- STEP 1. Remove SyncUpgrade related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SyncUpgrade ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SyncUpgrade adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SyncUpgrade ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
SyncUpgrade adware removal:
Remove SyncUpgrade-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 hinder system performance, compromise privacy, negatively impact browsing and computing experience, and cause other issues.
What does adware do?
Adware displays various advertisements. In certain cases, it can hijack web browsers and collect information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers usually earn money by promoting products, websites, or services, primarily through affiliate programs. They receive commissions when users interact with the ads or make purchases through the links displayed by the adware.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SyncUpgrade adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove all adware-type applications. However, manual removal may not always be entirely effective, as leftover files can remain hidden in the system. Even after the adware is deleted, some components might still be active or present, which is why a comprehensive scan with specialized software is recommended.
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