How to uninstall SimpleSkill from computers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is SimpleSkill?
Our analysis of SimpleSkill has revealed that it is adware. Once installed, SimpleSkill can display intrusive and potentially misleading advertisements. Moreover, we discovered that the app has been flagged as malicious by a number of security vendors. Overall, users should avoid installing SimpleSkill and remove it from affected systems.
SimpleSkill adware in detail
Advertisements delivered by SimpleSkill can include pop-ups, coupons, banners, and other ads containing fake offers, warnings, alerts, etc. They can be designed to trick users into clicking them and opening unreliable web pages. These sites can host scams, unwanted apps, and similar content.
Users may be directed to fake websites designed to steal login credentials (e.g., usernames and passwords). Also, ads from SimpleSkill may take users to sites crafted to steal money or distribute potentially malicious applications. Users may experience monetary loss, identity theft, account takeover, computer infections, and other problems.
In addition to showing unwanted advertisements, SimpleSkill may gather IP addresses, geolocation information, browsing history, and more personal details like login credentials, email addresses, etc. This information can be misused for malicious purposes and sold to third parties.
Moreover, SimpleSkill may slow down computers and interfere with other programs. Over time, this slowdown can negatively affect the overall user experience and cause other issues. Given these risks, it is advisable to uninstall SimpleSkill if it is present on computers.
It is worth noting that removing the app manually can be difficult. Without proper tools, it can be challenging to remove all traces of the app. In such cases, we advise using tools like Combo Cleaner.
| Name | Ads by SimpleSkill |
| 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-type apps can display misleading ads, leading to scam websites, malware, and identity theft. They may also collect personal information, slow down computers, and cause other performance issues. Users should avoid installing adware and regularly scan their computers for such threats.
More adware examples are SkilledArchive, MasterInput, and DefaultAgent.
How did SimpleSkill install on my computer?
Adware is commonly bundled with free or unreliable software. Users who skip installation steps or don't adjust the default settings (such as "Advanced" or "Custom") may inadvertently install it. This practice, known as bundling, is a common method for distributing adware and other unwanted apps.
Adware can also spread through deceptive ads, fake software updates, untrustworthy websites, unofficial app stores, misleading notifications, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, third-party downloaders, and similar channels. It is common for adware to be downloaded and installed unintentionally.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Always download apps and files from trusted sources, such as official websites or reputable app stores. During installations, choose the "Advanced" or "Custom" options or untick checkboxes to decline any unwanted programs that may be included in the installer.
Do not interact with suspicious ads, pop-ups, or links on unreliable websites, and do not agree to receive notifications from questionable sites. Keep your system and software up to date, and perform regular scans with a trusted security tool. If your computer is already infected with SimpleSkill, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that appears after the installation of SimpleSkill:
SimpleSkill'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 SimpleSkill?
- STEP 1. Remove SimpleSkill related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SimpleSkill ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SimpleSkill adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SimpleSkill ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
SimpleSkill adware removal:
Remove SimpleSkill-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 pose several risks, such as leading users to websites hosting scams and malware, slowing down system performance, disrupting normal computer use, and causing other issues.
What does adware do?
Adware generates unwanted ads and can also collect browsing history, IP addresses, geolocation data, and other personal details.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware creators usually make money by promoting products, websites, or services through affiliate programs, earning revenue from user actions such as clicks, purchases, or other interactions.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SimpleSkill adware?
Combo Cleaner conducts a thorough system scan to remove all adware. Manual removal may not be entirely effective, as some files might remain hidden, and certain adware elements could continue running even after the removal process.
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