If you want to get rid of ScalableSkill app on Mac, then make sure to follow the steps in this removal guide article. The steps presented below can help you remove the unwanted program and strengthen the security of your macOS.
ScalableSkill Mac Adware
ScalableSkill Mac Adware is a new web and desktop threat which is made compatible with Apple’s desktop operating system. It may take different forms including dangerous browser extensions, standalone apps or scripts that are inserted in already existing programs.
In this article, we will reveal a few more issues that occur when ScalableSkill adware is started on a Mac system as well as efficient ways to remove all present harmful files.
Threat Summary
| Name | ScalableSkill |
| Type | PUP, Adware |
| Short Description | A questionable application that hijacks Mac systems and popular browsers like Safari and Chrome installed on them. Performs browser modifications without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. The program may start every time you start the affected Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss ScalableSkill. |
Issues Caused by ScalableSkill Adware on Mac
The ScalableSkill Adware on Mac infections can be made by using different infection techniques. One of the most common ones is the creating and distribution of malware browser extensions which are alternatively called hijackers. They are created with the intention of masking themselves as useful plugins which add new functionality or improve the performance. As such they can be distributed on the official repositories using fake or stolen account credentials, posting fake user reviews or adding in a detailed description.
To a large extent the ScalableSkill Adware on Mac virus code can be added to different types of file carriers — when they are run the virus infection will follow. They can be macro-infected documents across all popular file formats (spreadsheets, presentations, text documents and databases) as well as setup bundles of popular applications. The hackers can choose to embed the code in system utilities, creativity suits or productivity software. This is done by taking the original setup files and modifying them with the necessary code additions.
All virus files that are related to ScalableSkill Adware on Mac can be delivered to the target users using phishing strategies wherein the hackers can send out bulk email messages or create hacker-controlled sites that may look like services and companies that may look safe to use. They often will be hosted on similar sounding domain names and include hijacked web elements. The virus files can also be uploaded to different file-sharing networks like BitTorrent or even online communities like social networks, forums and chat rooms.
When the infections have started the included malware sequence associated with the ScalableSkill Adware on Mac will be executed. This means that every single campaign may feature a different configuration.
If the infection is done via a browser hijacker the users can expect to see that the default browser settings may be changed: the default home page, search engine and new tabs page. This will lead to the showing of a redirect page that can be configured to scam the users or display intrusive ads and related content.
Other malware actions that can take place may include a data gathering module which can be configured to retrieve personal user information and/or machine data. The hijacked data can be used to construct an unique ID for each machine or alternatively blackmail the users or commit identity theft related crimes.
Many adware on Mac like the ScalableSkill malware may also change important system settings — this can cause data loss, performance issues or the the inability to start certain services.
In some cases the configuration can even include the installation of computer viruses including from all dangerous categories. They can include file encrypting ransomware that can encrypt target user data with a strong cipher and then extort the victims for a cryptocurrency assets payment. Trojan horse infections can take over control of a given system and also download files from the computer. Web infections will also include a cryptocurrency miner — an engine that will download complex mathematical tasks and run them on the local machine. This will have a very negative impact on the performance of the computer. For every reported instance the hackers will receive a payment in the form of cryptocurrency assets.
At any time other changes can be implemented, for this reason we recommend that any active infections are removed as soon as possible following the discovery of an infection.
Remove ScalableSkill Mac Adware
In order to remove the ScalableSkill adware program along with all entries it has created on the system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you manual and automatic removal approach. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. Some of the files associated with the adware cannot be removed manually except you are an experienced computer user. So the manual adware removal might be quite a complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic removal and get rid of ScalableSkill adware with the help of advanced anti-malware tool.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Steps to Prepare Before Removal:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove ScalableSkill files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ScalableSkill, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Step 2: Uninstall ScalableSkill and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to ScalableSkill:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to ScalableSkill. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to ScalableSkill. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove ScalableSkill via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as ScalableSkill. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3: Remove ScalableSkill – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
ScalableSkill-FAQ
What is ScalableSkill on your Mac?
The ScalableSkill threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down significantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
Can Macs Get Viruses?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that almost all of the Apple devices can become infected with a threat.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the types of threats that can currently infect your Mac can be rogue antivirus programs, adware or hijackers (PUPs), Trojan horses, ransomware and crypto-miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like ScalableSkill?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.
There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to Secure My Data from ScalableSkill?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the ScalableSkill Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ScalableSkill how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on ScalableSkill?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the ScalableSkill threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.