How to remove SkilledArchive adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is SkilledArchive?
While browsing file submissions to the VirusTotal website, our researchers found the SkilledArchive application. It is part of the AdLoad malware family and operates as advertising-supported software (adware). SkilledArchive aims to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.
SkilledArchive adware overview
Typically, adware operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, and other ads) on visited websites, desktops, or different interfaces.
Specific conditions may be necessary for this software to function as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether SkilledArchive delivers advertisements – the app remains a threat to device and user safety.
Adware-displayed adverts can promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Once clicked on, some of the ads can even execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Note that while legitimate products/services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. This endorsement is most likely undertaken by scammers who abuse the promoted content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that applications from the AdLoad family often act as browser hijackers, but we did not observe such capabilities while analyzing SkilledArchive.
Usually, advertising-supported software gathers sensitive user data, and SkilledArchive likely has such data-tracking abilities as well. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit/debit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, software like SkilledArchive is associated with the following risks – system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SkilledArchive |
| 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
We have written about the numerous Mac-specific adware-type apps; MasterInput, DefaultAgent, and LeadShared are merely a couple of our newest articles.
Software within this classification rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious. It tends to look ordinary and harmless. Adware can offer various "useful" functionalities, which are usually fake and nonoperational.
Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not prove its legitimacy or safety.
How did SkilledArchive install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing method, which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements. These setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspicious sources.
The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by negligence when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps or sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" promotional pages and is endorsed on scam websites. These webpages are primarily accessed via redirects produced by intrusive ads, sites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Some of these adverts can carry out stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, tools, and so on.
We advise vigilance while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
Should 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 SkilledArchive, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SkilledArchive adware's installation is over:
SkilledArchive 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 SkilledArchive?
- STEP 1. Remove SkilledArchive related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SkilledArchive ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SkilledArchive adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SkilledArchive ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
SkilledArchive adware removal:
Remove SkilledArchive-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. Due to it usually possessing data-tracking abilities, this software is also considered a privacy threat. Yet most of the dangers are posed by the content endorsed through adware-delivered ads, including system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and so forth.
What does adware do?
Adware usually operates by enabling the placement of advertisements on visited websites or other interfaces. Some types are also capable of force-opening sites and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SkilledArchive adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the adware has been removed – various leftovers (files) remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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