StandartSkill Adware: Unwanted Ads and Privacy Risks

StandartSkill, upon detailed examination, has been identified as adware, presenting users with intrusive advertisements and potential privacy risks. This article aims to shed light on the actions and consequences of StandartSkill, providing users with a comprehensive removal guide and best practices for preventing future infections.

StandartSkill Adware Overview

StandartSkill functions as adware, bombarding users with bothersome advertisements that negatively impact their online experience. These ads, ranging from aggressive pop-ups to banners and in-text advertisements, can appear on websites that typically do not feature ads.

Consequences of StandartSkill Adware:

1. Misleading Ads: Users may encounter ads promoting questionable products, fake software updates, or enticing offers that redirect to potentially harmful websites.
2. Phishing Attempts: Ads opened via StandartSkill may attempt to trick users into providing sensitive information, leading to identity theft, financial losses, or unauthorized access to online accounts.
3. Malicious Websites: Pages opened through ads may lead to websites hosting malicious software or promoting scams, exposing users to various online threats.
4. Unintended Installations: Clicking on ads may initiate unintended installations of potentially malicious applications, posing risks to the overall security of the system.
5. Data Collection: StandartSkill may focus on collecting user behavior and preference information, including browsing history, search queries, and potentially sensitive details such as passwords or financial information.

Detection Names

• Avast: MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]
• Combo Cleaner: Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.29
• ESET-NOD32: A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C
• Kaspersky: Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h

Removal Guide

Step 1: Identify and Uninstall Suspicious Applications

1. Navigate to “Applications” in Finder.
2. Identify and uninstall any suspicious applications, especially those recently installed or unfamiliar.
3. Right-click and choose “Move to Trash.”

Step 2: Remove StandartSkill from Web Browsers

Safari:

1. Open Safari.
2. Go to “Safari” > “Preferences.”
3. Click on the “Extensions” tab.
4. Find and uninstall any StandartSkill related extensions.

Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome.
2. Type “chrome://extensions/” in the address bar.
3. Locate and delete StandartSkill-related extensions.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open Firefox.
2. Type “about:addons” in the address bar.
3. Remove StandartSkill related extensions.

Step 3: Clear Browser Data

1. In each browser, navigate to settings and find the option to clear browsing data.
2. Select “Cookies,” “Cached Images,” and other site data.
3. Click “Clear” or “Delete.”

Step 4: Check System Preferences

1. Open “System Preferences” on your Mac.
2. Navigate to “Profiles” and remove any suspicious profiles.

Step 5: Run a Security Software Scan

Use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware tool to perform a full system scan and remove any remaining traces of StandartSkill.

Best Practices for Prevention

1. Be cautious with downloads: Only download software from official websites.
2. Keep software updated: Regularly update your operating system and applications.
3. Use reliable security software: Install and update reputable antivirus or anti-malware software.
4. Exercise caution online: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or ads.
5. Stay informed: Keep abreast of the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices.

By following these steps and adopting preventive measures, users can effectively remove StandartSkill and reduce the risk of encountering similar threats in the future.