Remove SimpleSkill Mac Adware

SimpleSkill is an adware application that has been flagged as a security risk by multiple cybersecurity vendors. Once installed on a Mac system, this adware bombards users with intrusive advertisements, misleading pop-ups, and redirects to potentially harmful websites. Furthermore, it belongs to the Adload malware family, a well-known threat to Mac users.

While adware like SimpleSkill might seem harmless at first glance, its potential consequences range from privacy invasion to financial fraud. Users affected by this malware may experience system slowdowns, unwanted ads, and exposure to scams that can lead to data theft. This article provides a detailed analysis of SimpleSkill adware and why it should be removed immediately.

Threat Summary

Category	Details
Threat Name	SimpleSkill Adware
Threat Type	Adware, Mac Malware
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)
Symptoms	Slow system performance, unwanted pop-up ads, browser redirects, exposure to scams and fake websites
Distribution Methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, software bundling, torrent file downloads
Damage	Privacy risks due to data tracking, exposure to phishing scams, financial fraud, loss of personal information
Associated Email Addresses	Not applicable
Danger Level	High

SimpleSkill Adware in Detail

SimpleSkill operates by injecting unwanted advertisements, including pop-ups, banners, and notifications, into the user’s browsing experience. These ads often lead to malicious or scam websites that attempt to collect personal data, promote unwanted software, or deceive users into making financial transactions.

One of the major concerns with this adware is its data-tracking capabilities. SimpleSkill is known to gather sensitive information such as IP addresses, browsing history, login credentials, and email addresses. This data can then be misused by cybercriminals or sold to third parties for profit.

Additionally, SimpleSkill can affect system performance, causing slowdowns, crashes, and interference with legitimate applications. Since adware like this is typically installed through deceptive software bundling, many users may not even realize when they have installed it.

Manual Adware Removal (Windows & Mac)

Step 1: Identify Suspicious Applications

For Windows Users

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Check the “Processes” tab for unfamiliar or suspicious programs consuming excessive CPU or memory.
3. If you find any, note their names and close them.
4. Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
5. Locate the suspicious application, right-click it, and select “Uninstall.”

For Mac Users

1. Open Finder and navigate to Applications.
2. Look for any suspicious or unknown applications.
3. Drag them to the Trash, then right-click on the Trash and select Empty Trash.
4. Open System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items and remove any unrecognized startup programs.

Step 2: Remove Adware-Related Browser Extensions

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and go to Menu (three dots in the top-right corner) > Extensions.
2. Locate suspicious extensions and click “Remove.”
3. Reset Chrome: Go to Settings > Reset settings > “Restore settings to their original defaults.”

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox and go to Menu (three lines in the top-right corner) > Add-ons and themes.
2. Locate and remove suspicious extensions.
3. Reset Firefox: Go to Help > More troubleshooting information > “Refresh Firefox.”

Safari (Mac)

1. Open Safari and go to Preferences > Extensions.
2. Locate and remove any unknown extensions.
3. Reset Safari: Go to History > “Clear History.”

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge and go to Menu (three dots in the top-right corner) > Extensions.
2. Remove suspicious extensions.
3. Reset Edge: Go to Settings > Reset settings > “Restore settings to their default values.”

Step 3: Delete Adware-Related Files and Folders

For Windows Users

1. Press Win + R, type %AppData%, and press Enter.
2. Look for suspicious folders and delete them.
3. Repeat for %LocalAppData%, %ProgramData%, and %Temp%.

For Mac Users

1. Open Finder, press Shift + Command + G, and enter ~/Library/Application Support/.
2. Locate and delete suspicious folders.
3. Repeat for ~/Library/LaunchAgents/, ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/, and ~/Library/Preferences/.

Step 4: Flush DNS Cache (Recommended)

For Windows Users

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

For Mac Users

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter.

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

Restart your device to complete the manual removal process.

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Automatic Adware Removal Using SpyHunter (Windows & Mac)

For a hassle-free and effective removal, use SpyHunter, a robust anti-malware tool designed to detect and remove adware efficiently.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official website: Click here to download SpyHunter.

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

Follow the installation instructions based on your operating system:

For Windows Users:

1. Open the downloaded .exe file.
2. Follow the on-screen installation instructions.
3. Launch SpyHunter and allow it to update its malware definitions.

For Mac Users:

1. Open the downloaded .dmg file.
2. Drag and drop SpyHunter into the Applications folder.
3. Launch SpyHunter and allow it to update its malware definitions.

Step 3: Perform a System Scan

1. Open SpyHunter.
2. Click on Start Scan.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.
4. Review the detected threats and click Fix Threats to remove adware.

Step 4: Restart Your Device

After SpyHunter removes the threats, restart your computer to finalize the process.

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For the most secure and effective removal, we recommend downloading and using SpyHunter: Download SpyHunter Here.

Stay safe and keep your system clean!

Conclusion

SimpleSkill is a dangerous adware application that poses significant privacy and security risks to Mac users. It not only displays intrusive advertisements but also tracks user data and exposes victims to potential scams. As part of the notorious Adload malware family, this adware is designed to evade detection and persist on infected systems. Due to its impact on user privacy and system performance, removing SimpleSkill should be a priority for affected users.