How to remove ServiceDesk (Mac)

What is ServiceDesk

ServiceDesk is an adware application that falls under the AdLoad malware family, primarily targeting macOS systems. It is designed to generate revenue for its developers through intrusive advertising methods, such as pop-ups, banners, and overlays displayed on users’ screens. This adware can significantly degrade browsing experience and system performance, leading to unwanted redirects to dubious websites and exposure to potentially harmful content. In addition to displaying advertisements, ServiceDesk may track user data, including browsing habits and personal information, which can pose serious privacy risks. Often bundled with legitimate software, it can install itself silently, making it crucial for users to remain vigilant during downloads. Proper removal techniques, including the use of specialized antivirus tools, are essential to eliminate this threat effectively and restore system integrity.

How ServiceDesk infects Mac computers

ServiceDesk adware typically infects Macs through deceptive practices, primarily bundled within legitimate software downloads. Users often encounter it when they download free applications from unofficial or untrustworthy websites, where it is packaged alongside the desired software. During installation, if users opt for “Quick” or “Easy” installation settings, they may inadvertently permit the installation of ServiceDesk without realizing it. Additionally, intrusive advertisements and pop-ups can redirect users to malicious sites that host the adware, leading to accidental downloads. Once installed, ServiceDesk begins displaying unwanted ads and can track user data, further compromising privacy and security. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial for users to remain vigilant during software installations and to only download applications from reputable sources.

1. Download ServiceDesk Removal Tool
2. Remove ServiceDesk from Login Items
3. Remove/Uninstall ServiceDesk from Applications
4. Remove ServiceDesk from browsers
5. Reset browser settings
6. Remove ServiceDesk files and folders
7. Block ServiceDesk ads and pop-ups
8. How to protect from threats, like ServiceDesk

Remove ServiceDesk manually for free

Note: ServiceDesk sets up to start on macOS startup. Therefore, before starting the removal, perform these steps:

1. Open System Preferences, choose Users & Groups.
2. Choose your account (set up as Current User).
3. Click Login Items tab.
4. Find “ServiceDesk” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: ServiceDesk won’t quit just by closing it, therefor use Force Quit to end the process.

1. Press 3 buttons at the same time: Option, Command, and Esc (Escape). This is similar to Control-Alt-Delete on a Windows PC.
2. Choose ServiceDesk in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

Here is a manual step-by-step tutorial for full ServiceDesk removal from your computer. This works 99% and was checked with the latest versions of ServiceDesk installer on operating systems with the latest updates and browser versions.

Remove ServiceDesk from Applications

Remove ServiceDesk from Mac:

1. In the Finder sidebar, click Applications.
2. ServiceDesk might have an Uninstaller. If you see Uninstall ServiceDesk or ServiceDesk Uninstaller, double-click it and follow the onscreen instructions.
3. Otherwise, drag ServiceDesk from the Applications folder to the Trash (located at the end of the Dock).
4. Then choose Finder > Empty Trash.

Cannot uninstall ServiceDesk

If you can’t uninstall ServiceDesk using instructions above, or it keeps coming back, you can use free AppCleaner for Mac to remove all residual data and libraries of ServiceDesk. Follow instructions below:

1. Download free AppCleaner.
2. Drag ServiceDesk from Applications folder to AppCleaner window.
3. Choose files and folders you want to remove along with ServiceDesk.
4. Click Delete button.

Remove ServiceDesk add-on from your browsers

Removing ServiceDesk from Applications often does not bring the desired effect. It is a browser extension, and it may still be active in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Here are instructions on how to remove the ServiceDesk extension from your browsers manually.

Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Click Extensions tab.
3. Find ServiceDesk extension.
4. Click Uninstall button to remove it.

Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://extensions.
3. Find ServiceDesk extension.
4. Click the trash can icon to remove it.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:addons.
3. Choose ServiceDesk extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish ServiceDesk removal, reset your browser settings to make sure, there are no leftover items in browser folders.

Reset Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Go to the Privacy section of Safari’s preferences.
3. Click Remove All Website Data button.
4. In the opened window, click Remove Now button to remove data stored by websites in Safari.
5. Go to the Advanced section of Safari’s preferences.
6. Click the Show Develop menu in menu bar option.
7. In the menu, click Develop and select Empty Caches from this menu.
8. Again, go to Safari menu and choose Clear History….
9. Choose to clear all history and click Clear History button.

Reset Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://settings.
3. Scroll down and find Show advanced settings link.
4. Click on it and scroll down to the bottom again.
5. Click Reset settings button and click Reset to confirm.

Reset Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:support.
3. Click Refresh Firefox… button.
4. Click Refresh Firefox to confirm.

Remove following files and folders of ServiceDesk


~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.ServiceDesk.service.app
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.ServiceDesk.service.plist
/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.ServiceDesk.system
/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.ServiceDesk.system.plist


Download AdGuard for Mac to block malicious pop-ups, that promote ServiceDesk

AdGuard is the best ad-blocker, internet filtering, and internet security application for macOS. It can cut out unwanted banners from site pages, block pop-ups, stop redirects, and prevent users from visiting potentially dangerous resources. Use it to stop ads promoting ServiceDesk in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ServiceDesk

Mac OSX is known to be one of the safest operating systems, and for a long time, there was no need for antivirus products for Mac. But with the growing popularity of Mac computers and notebooks and evolving technology, viruses, trojans, adware, toolbars, hijackers, and other malware paved the way for Mac users. We recommend you to use one of the best anti-malware for Mac available — Malwarebytes for Mac.

Download Malwarebytes for Mac