ScalableSkill is a PUP (potentially unwanted program) belonging to the Adware family. What does Adware mean? Adware is considered a potentially security threat because it often installed on MAC system without the consent of the owner. Adware usually just displays unwanted advertisements, but sometimes adware software may be used to obtain your confidential data.
Unwanted ads
Another reason why you need to remove the ScalableSkill adware is its online data-tracking activity. Adware can be used to gather lots of privacy data about you (your ip address, what is a website you are viewing now, what you are looking for on the Net, which links you are clicking), which can later transfer to third parties.
How does ScalableSkill get on your MAC system
In most cases, the free applications setup file includes third-party programs like this adware. So, be very careful when you agree to install anything. The best way – is to choose a Custom, Advanced or Manual installation mode. Here disable all optional apps in which you are unsure or that causes even a slightest suspicion.
Threat Summary
| Name | ScalableSkill, Scalable Skill 1.0 app |
| Type | adware, PUP (potentially unwanted program), pop ups, pop-up virus, popup advertisements |
| Symptoms |
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| Removal | ScalableSkill removal guide |
How to Remove ScalableSkill adware
Fortunately, we have an effective solution that will assist you manually or/and automatically remove ScalableSkill ads from your browser and bring your internet browser settings, including default search provider, new tab and startpage, back to normal. Below you will find a removal guidance with all the steps you may need to successfully remove adware and its traces. Read this manual carefully, bookmark it or open this page on your smartphone, because you may need to close your browser or reboot your MAC.
To remove ScalableSkill, use the steps below:
- How to manually remove ScalableSkill
- Automatic Removal of ScalableSkill adware software
- How to stay safe online
- Finish words
How to manually remove ScalableSkill
First try to uninstall ScalableSkill manually; to do this, follow the steps below. Of course, manual adware software removal requires more time and may not be suitable for those who are poorly versed in computer settings. In this case, we recommend that you scroll down to the section that describes how to delete adware software using free utilities.
Delete ScalableSkill associated software by using the Finder
It is of primary importance to first identify and delete all PUPs, adware programs and browser hijackers through the ‘Applications’ section of the Finder.
- Open the Finder.
- Click “Applications”.
- It will show a list of all applications installed on the MAC.
- Scroll through the all list, and remove dubious and unknown software. Pay maximum attention to the application you installed last.
- Drag the suspicious program from the Applications folder to the Trash.
- Empty Trash.
Remove ScalableSkill adware from Chrome
Another way to get rid of ScalableSkill ads from Chrome is Reset Google Chrome settings. This will disable malicious plugins and reset Google Chrome settings to default values. However, your saved passwords and bookmarks will not be changed, deleted or cleared.
- First, launch the Chrome and press the Menu icon (icon in the form of three dots).
- It will display the Google Chrome main menu. Choose More Tools, then press Extensions.
- You will see the list of installed extensions. If the list has the extension labeled with “Installed by enterprise policy” or “Installed by your administrator”, then complete the following guide: Remove Chrome extensions installed by enterprise policy.
- Now open the Chrome menu once again, press the “Settings” menu.
- Next, press “Advanced” link, that located at the bottom of the Settings page.
- On the bottom of the “Advanced settings” page, click the “Reset settings to their original defaults” button.
- The Google Chrome will show the reset settings dialog box as shown on the image above.
- Confirm the web-browser’s reset by clicking on the “Reset” button.
- To learn more, read the blog post How to reset Chrome settings to default.
Remove ScalableSkill from Safari
The Safari reset is great if your internet browser is hijacked by ScalableSkill or you have unwanted addo-ons or toolbars on your web browser, that installed by an malware.
Click Safari menu and choose “Preferences”.
It will open the Safari Preferences window. Next, click the “Extensions” tab. Look for unknown and suspicious plugins on left panel, choose it, then click the “Uninstall” button. Most important to remove all unknown extensions from Safari.
Once complete, click “General” tab. Change the “Default Search Engine” to Google.
Find the “Homepage” and type into textfield “https://www.google.com”.
Delete ScalableSkill from Firefox by resetting internet browser settings
If the Mozilla Firefox settings such as new tab page, home page and search provider have been changed by the ScalableSkill adware, then resetting it to the default state can help. However, your saved bookmarks and passwords will not be lost. This will not affect your history, passwords, bookmarks, and other saved data.
Click the Menu button (looks like three horizontal lines), and click the blue Help icon located at the bottom of the drop down menu as shown in the figure below.
A small menu will appear, click the “Troubleshooting Information”. On this page, click “Refresh Firefox” button like below.
Follow the onscreen procedure to restore your Mozilla Firefox web browser settings to their default state.
Automatic Removal of ScalableSkill adware software
Use malware removal tools to remove ScalableSkill automatically. The free applications utilities specially developed for hijackers, adware and other potentially unwanted apps removal. These tools can get rid of most of adware from Safari, Firefox and Chrome. Moreover, it may remove all components of adware from Windows registry and system drives.
Remove ScalableSkill adware with MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (MBAM)
Remove ScalableSkill manually is difficult and often the adware is not fully removed. Therefore, we recommend you to run the MalwareBytes Free which are fully clean your computer. Moreover, this free program will allow you to remove malware, PUPs, toolbars and browser hijacker that your machine may be infected too.
MalwareBytes Free can be downloaded from the following link.
20990 downloads
Author: Malwarebytes
Category: Security tools
Update: September 10, 2020
After the downloading process is done, run it and follow the prompts. Click the “Scan” button to find the ScalableSkill adware. When a malicious software, adware or potentially unwanted apps are detected, the number of the security threats will change accordingly. Review the scan results and then click “Remove Selected Items” button.
The MalwareBytes Free is a free program that you can use to remove all detected folders, files, malicious services and so on.
How to stay safe online
Use an ad blocker tool like AdGuard will protect you from malicious advertisements and content. Moreover, you can find that the AdGuard have an option to protect your privacy and block phishing and spam web sites. Additionally, adblocker apps will allow you to avoid intrusive pop up ads and unverified links that also a good way to stay safe online.
Installing the AdGuard is simple. First you will need to download AdGuard by clicking on the following link. Save it on your Microsoft Windows desktop or in any other place.
3772 downloads
Author: © Adguard
Category: Security tools
Update: January 17, 2018
When downloading is done, run the downloaded file. The “Setup Wizard” window will show up on the computer screen.
Follow the prompts. AdGuard will then be installed. A window will show up asking you to confirm that you want to see a quick guide. Press “Skip” button to close the window and use the default settings, or press “Get Started” to see an quick tutorial which will assist you get to know AdGuard better.
Each time, when you start your MAC OS, AdGuard will start automatically and stop unwanted popup ads, block harmful and misleading web pages.
Finish words
After completing the step-by-step guide shown above, your computer should be clean from this adware and other malicious software. The Safari, Mozilla Firefox and Chrome will no longer display the ScalableSkill ads when you surf the World Wide Web. Unfortunately, if the steps does not help you, then you have caught a new adware software, and then the best way – ask for help.
Please create a new question by using the “Ask Question” button in the Questions and Answers. Try to give us some details about your problems, so we can try to help you more accurately. Wait for one of our trained “Security Team” or Site Administrator to provide you with knowledgeable assistance tailored to your problem with the ScalableSkill adware.
