How to remove SkilledPanelSearch

SkilledPanelSearch – adware app with browser-hijacking qualities

SkilledPanelSearch is an application that can only be found on macOS devices with its distinctive icon – a magnifying glass with teal, blue, or green circle around it. While initially, it may seem like one of those relatively harmless search apps, it is nothing like it. Being a potentially unwanted program, it is mainly distributed via insecure third-party websites that host pirated software. However, many users also found it on their Macs after installing a seemingly innocent Flash Player update.^[1]

Once installed, the so-called SkilledPanelSearch virus then hijacks^[2] all the installed web browsers, be it Safari, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, and then appends a suspicious URL as the start page (this setting might vary, but most are likely to find Safe Finder as their homepage). It then delivers intrusive ad campaigns that disturb online sessions, inserts promotional links in search results, tracks users' online activities, and harvests personal user data via the installed browser extension.

Even though SkilledPanelSearch is categorized as a potentially unwanted program, it is more malicious rather than annoying, like most PUPs are. First of all, the app belongs to the prominent adware family known as Adload, with several dozens of members such as ManagerAnalog, ProtocolPort, or ActivityConfig. Therefore, you will find that many anti-malware tools, such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, detect the app immediately.

Unfortunately, those who get it installed on their Macs typically do not use third-party security software. Gatekeeper or Xprotect does little when users are tricked into entering their own AppleID to allow the installation in the first place. This is another example of how an extra layer of protection can save you headaches cause by computer infections.

In fact, SkilledPanelSearch is among the most persistent Mac malware examples you could come across, as it uses the built-in scripts to change the way your computer operates. In order to stay on your system for as long as possible, it can perform the following:

• Install a browser extension under the same name which is impossible to remove in the regular way;
• Create new Login items;
• Establish new profiles;
• Install other applications in the background, etc.

Even if you try to move the app into Trash, you will soon see it back and running again. Likewise, the browser extension button for its uninstall might be simply grayed out. Looking at the technical capabilities of the app, it not surprising that users struggle with SkilledPanelSearch removal.

Besides being initially malicious, this app will also not leave you alone when it comes to ads. With the help of changed web browser settings you cannot revert, your searches will redirect you to Yahoo or another provider you usually don't employ. Search results would also be littered with sponsored links, sometimes confusing you which result is an ad and which one is legitimate.

This behavior might only compromise your regular web browsing activities by preventing you from accessing relevant information, but might also show you ads or redirect to websites that offer shady apps or straight-out malware. Thus, never click on links that are promoting such insecure content.

Another negative aspect of this PUP and the reason you should remove SkilledPanelSearch is its information-gathering practices. If the extension gets installed with elevated permissions, it might be able to read some sensitive data you type in your web browser – for example, your banking details or social media passwords.

Since it is relatively difficult to uninstall SkilledPanelSearch manually with all its components, we highly recommend you scan your Mac with security software. Since malware also affects the browsers and might inject unwanted cookies, make sure you clean them properly – we provide the instructions below (otherwise, you can use automatic software for this, such as FortectIntego).

Avoid Mac malware by being careful online

Many users did not believe that Macs can be infected with anything nasty, despite the fact that security experts^[3] tried to warn about these issues years ago. Unfortunately, many did not listen, which ended up badly. At the start of 2020, researchers claimed that Mac malware was outpacing Windows malware when it comes to its volume.^[4]

Therefore, just because you are using Mac does not mean you are safe from computer infections. Luckily, with robust security software for that extra layer of protection and secure online browsing practices, you should easily avoid malicious software and its consequences. Here are a few security tips that should help you stay safe online:

• Do not download pirated applications and don't use torrents;
• Never trust any Flash update prompts – the plugin is no longer supported and all pop-ups that ask you to update it are fake;
• Don't believe websites that claim your computer is infected with a virus(even if it looks like Apple's site – it is fake);
• During the installation of new apps, always opt for Advanced/Custom settings if such option is provided and eliminate everything you do not want to be installed;
• Do not ignore warnings from your operating system and security software!

Delete SkilledPanelSearch virus to stay safe online

As previously mentioned, the Adload family is much more than a simple browser hijacker or adware. It uses so many techniques and methods in order to stay online that it simply does not possess any positive qualities. Besides, SkilledPanelSearch removal prevention is another reason you should not trust this app. If it remains on the system for a long time, it might harvest your sensitive data, which may eventually end up in cybercriminals' hands.

Since it is difficult to remove SkilledPanelSearch manually, what is the choice that you have? Well, we highly recommend you scan your Mac with a robust security application – it should be able to find and eliminate all the application related files and other remnants automatically.

Please do not forget to clean your web browsers – it is equally important for the elimination process, as the app operates mainly via browsers. For that, you can either follow the instructions below or employ software that would do that for you.