How to remove SkilledDeskSearch from Mac computers

What is SkilledDeskSearch?

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SkilledDeskSearch belongs to the AdLoad adware family. Adware-type applications are usually designed to feed users with various advertisements. This particular app functions not only as adware but also as a browser hijacker. It is designed to promote searchpulse.net and akamaihd.net, which are addresses of fake search engines. Typically, people download and install adware inadvertently. Therefore, these apps are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). Research shows that SkilledDeskSearch is distributed through a fake Adobe Flash Player installer.

In most cases, adware displays advertisements that conceal underlying content of visited pages. It serves ads in the form of coupons, surveys, pop-ups, banners and others. These ads open dubious, potentially malicious pages or download and install unwanted software by running certain scripts. This, however, happens only when people click the ads. As mentioned, SkilledDeskSearch is designed to serve ads but also to promote searchpulse.net and akamaihd.net. SkilledDeskSearch's developers included mitmproxy code into it so this app can redirect users to searchpulse.net and/or akamaihd.net when they enter search queries. Note that fake search engines such as searchpulse.net and akamaihd.net do not generate unique search results, and thus often provide misleading information. Furthermore, there is a possibility that SkilledDeskSearch will track data and gathers various browsing details. These apps target IP addresses, entered search queries, geolocations, addresses of visited pages, and other data of this kind. In some cases, they collect personal (sensitive) information. Developers generate revenue by selling the data to third parties who misuse it in other ways. Users' data might be shared with cyber criminals. In summary, users of applications such as SkilledDeskSearch risk monetary loss, becoming victims of identity theft, experiencing problems with privacy, browsing safety, and other issues. Therefore, it is not safe to have apps such as SkilledDeskSearch installed on operating systems.

Threat Summary:
Name	Ads by SkilledDeskSearch
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
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), fake Flash Player installers, 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.

More examples of apps similar to SkilledDeskSearch are MajorChannelSearch, MainSignalSearch and ExpertCharacterSearch. This software often generates revenue for developers by serving ads, collecting data or forcing users to visit dubious sites. Generally, adware (and other PUAs) do not deliver any features or other value - they simply cause problems. SkilledDeskSearch and other similar apps should never be downloaded or installed.

How did SkilledDeskSearch install on my computer?

SkilledDeskSearch is commonly installed through fake Adobe Flash Player installers. Typically, these 'installers' do not provide any updates and distribute unwanted or even malicious software. PUAs are often downloaded and installed together with other (usually free) programs. I.e., when they are included into the download/installation set-ups. This PUA distribution method is called 'bundling' and is used to trick people into downloading and installing PAUs through the set-ups of regular programs that people wish to acquire. Unwanted downloads and installations happen when people fail to check and change settings that are included in the set-ups. In most cases, offers to download and install additional apps can be found in 'Advanced', 'Custom', and other similar settings. Many people fail to check and change the settings, thereby allowing PUAs to be downloaded and installed.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Various third party downloaders, installers, Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule, unofficial websites and other similar channels are often used to distribute PUAs. In some cases, they are used to distribute malicious programs. Therefore, all software and files should be downloaded from official websites and through direct links. Downloads and installations should not be finished without checking 'Advanced', 'Custom', 'Manual', and other settings. These contain offers to download and install additional, unwanted software (and should be dismissed). Furthermore, advertisements that appear on dubious websites can open untrusted websites or cause unwanted downloads/installations. Do not click such ads. Remove any unwanted, suspicious extensions, add-ons, or plug-ins installed on the browser. Also remove software of this kind that is installed on the computer. If your computer is already infected with SkilledDeskSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Files related to SkilledDeskSearch adware that need to be removed:

~/Library/Application Support/com.SkilledDeskSearch/SkilledDeskSearch
~/Library/Application Support/com.SkilledDeskSearchDaemon/SkilledDeskSearch
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.SkilledDeskSearch.plist
~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.SkilledDeskSearch.plist
~/var/root/.SkilledDeskSearch

IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote SkilledDeskSearch adware are designed to create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:

1) Click the 'Preferences' icon in the menu bar and select 'Profiles'

2) Select the 'SkilledDeskSearch' profile and delete it.

3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.

Instant automatic Mac malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer 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:
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