How to remove OnlineToolSearch adware from Mac OS

Effective guide to delete OnlineToolSearch

OnlineToolSearch is suspicious program operates as adware that results in frequent adverts, redirects and even cause changes on installed browser settings. Users end up into adware installation unintentionally. However, it may pretend as useful search tool that can enhance the overall browsing experience. Although, such apps have browser hijacking traits. Further, this app is also distributed via fake/deceptive Adobe Flash Player installer. Simply said, it is notorious infection that could alter your Mac PC without user’s approval.

Depth analysis of OnlineToolSearch

Once your browsers are affected, OnlineToolSearch becomes able to perform malicious activities. It delivers ads, pop-ups, banners, deals, offers and various online deals during browsing sessions. The developers deliver such ads for the sole motive to generate income from pay per click marketing techniques. For this, they try to design attractive advertisements. Such ads are displayed by adware that are designed to open untrustworthy websites. Also, they can be designed to cause downloads or installations of unwanted software.

OnlineToolSearch redirect is the main thing that frustrates users. The victims fake redirect to this domain all the time when opening the browsing tabs and windows. This cause redirection to other shady sites. Data tracking is yet another issue. The PUP can track users browsing session and collect the data extracted from it. These data could be shared to potent cyber criminals who misuse the data to generate revenue. Thus, data tracking can result into huge risk of privacy issues and even identity theft.

How did adware intrude on my computer?

Bundling is most prevalent ways for PUPs distribution. What their developers do is attach such apps with other regular software. Such apps in packages are offered for download by hiding the installation information behind custom/advanced option of downloading/installation processes. Usually, users opt for recommended/quick mode for fast downloading. However, this way they lead the installation of everything attached with the software they download. Thus, users can avoid PUPs intrusion by paying close attention while downloading and installing any software especially freeware programs as well as browsing internet.

How to prevent intruding unwanted apps?

Programs and files should only be downloaded by using official websites. Other tools like third party installer, unofficial pages, free file hosting sites and others are considered to be untrustworthy. So, users must avoid using such channels. While installing any apps, it is important to check download or installation setups for custom or advanced settings as they often offers to download or install additional or unwanted software. Moreover, it is not safe to click on deceptive ads as they mostly redirect people to harmful websites that contain lots of infections. To keep Mac OS safe, you are recommended to use some reputable antivirus removal tool.

Short description

Name: OnlineToolSearch

Threat Type: Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus

Additional Information: This application belongs to Adload malware family.

Symptoms: Your Mac becomes slower than usual, you see unwanted pop-up ads, and you are redirected to dubious websites that contain lots of infections.

Also known as: Ads by OnlineToolSearch

Distribution methods: Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads, sharing files through unsafe network.

Damage: Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.

Removal: If your system has been infected with OnlineToolSearch, we recommend running a scan with reliable antimalware tool.

Remove Files and Folders Related to OnlineToolSearch

Open the “Menu” bar and click the “Finder” icon. Select “Go” and click on “Go to Folder…”

Step 1: Search the suspicious and doubtful malware generated files in /Library/LaunchAgents folder

Type /Library/LaunchAgents in the “Go to Folder” option

In the “Launch Agent” folder, search for all the files that you have recently downloaded and move them to “Trash”. Few of the examples of files created by browser-hijacker or adware are as follow, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.Itvbit.plist”, installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, and “kuklorest.update.plist” and so on.

Step 2: Detect and remove the files generated by the adware in “/Library/Application” Support folder

In the “Go to Folder..bar”, type “/Library/Application Support”

Search for any suspicious newly added folders in “Application Support” folder. If you detect any one of these like “NicePlayer” or “MPlayerX” then send them to “Trash” folder.

Step 3: Look for the files generated by malware in /Library/LaunchAgent Folder:

Go to Folder bar and type /Library/LaunchAgents

You are in the “LaunchAgents” folder. Here, you have to search for all the newly added files and move them to “Trash” if you find them suspicious. Some of the examples of suspicious files generated by malware are “myppes.download.plist”, “installmac.AppRemoved.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist” and so on.

Step4: Go to /Library/LaunchDaemons Folder and search for the files created by malware

Type /Library/LaunchDaemons in the “Go To Folder” option

In the newly opened “LaunchDaemons” folder, search for any recently added suspicious files and move them to “Trash”. Examples of some of the suspicious files are “com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preference.plist”, “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist” and so on.

Step 5: Use Combo Cleaner Anti-Malware and Scan your Mac PC

The malware infections could be removed from the Mac PC if you execute all the steps mentioned above in the correct way. However, it is always advised to be sure that your PC is not infected. It is suggested to scan the work-station with “Combo Cleaner Anti-virus”.

Once the file gets downloaded, double click on combocleaner.dmg installer in the newly opened window. Next is to open the “Launchpad” and press on “Combo Cleaner” icon. It is advised to wait until “Combo Cleaner” updates the latest definition for malware detection. Click on “Start Combo Scan” button.

A depth scan of your Mac PC will be executed in order to detect malware. If the Anti-virus scan report says “no threat found” then you can continue with guide further. On the other hand, it is recommended to delete the detected malware infection before continuing.

Now the files and folders created by the adware is removed, you have to remove the rogue extensions from the browsers.

Remove OnlineToolSearch from Internet Browsers

Delete Doubtful and Malicious Extension from Safari

Go to “Menu Bar” and open “Safari” browser. Select “Safari” and then “Preferences”

In the opened “preferences” window, select “Extensions” that you have recently installed. All such extensions should be detected and click the “Uninstall” button next to it. If you are doubtful then you can remove all the extensions from “Safari” browser as none of them are important for smooth functionality of the browser.

In case if you continue facing unwanted webpage redirections or aggressive advertisements bombarding, you can reset the “Safari” browser.

“Reset Safari”

Open the Safari menu and choose “preferences…” from the drop-down menu.

Go to the “Extension” tab and set the extension slider to “Off” position. This disables all the installed extensions in the Safari browser

Next step is to check the homepage. Go to “Preferences…” option and choose “General” tab. Change the homepage to your preferred URL.

Also check the default search-engine provider settings. Go to “Preferences…” window and select the “Search” tab and select the search-engine provider that you want such as “Google”.

Next is to clear the Safari browser Cache- Go to “Preferences…” window and select “Advanced” tab and click on “Show develop menu in the menu bar.“

Go to “Develop” menu and select “Empty Caches”.

Remove website data and browsing history. Go to “Safari” menu and select “Clear History and Website Data”. Choose “all history” and then click on “Clear History”.

Remove Unwanted and Malicious Plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox

Delete OnlineToolSearch add-ons from Mozilla Firefox

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser. Click on the “Open Menu” present in the top right corner of the screen. From the newly opened menu, choose “Add-ons”.

Go to “Extension” option and detect all the latest installed add-ons. Select each of the suspicious add-ons and click on “Remove” button next to them.

In case if you want to “reset” the Mozilla Firefox browser then follow the steps that has been mentioned below.

Reset Mozilla Firefox Settings

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser and click on “Firefox” button situated at the top left corner of the screen.

In the new menu, go to “Help” sub-menu and choose “Troubleshooting Information”

In the “Troubleshooting Information” page, click on “Reset Firefox” button.

Confirm that you want to reset the Mozilla Firefox settings to default by pressing on “Reset Firefox” option

The browser will get restarted and the settings changes to factory default

Delete Unwanted and Malicious Extensions from Google Chrome

Open the chrome browser and click on “Chrome menu”. From the drop down option, choose “More Tools” and then “Extensions”.

In the “Extensions” option, search for all the recently installed add-ons and extensions. Select them and choose “Trash” button. Any third-party extension is not important for the smooth functionality of the browser.

Reset Google Chrome Settings

Open the browser and click on three line bar at the top right side corner of the window.

Go to the bottom of the newly opened window and select “Show advanced settings”.

In the newly opened window, scroll down to the bottom and choose “Reset browser settings”

Click on the “Reset” button on the opened “Reset browser settings” window

Restart the browser and the changes you get will be applied

The above mentioned manual process should be executed as it is mentioned. It is a cumbersome process and requires a lot of technical expertise. And hence it is advised for technical experts only. To be sure that your PC is free from malware, it is better that you scan the work-station with a powerful anti-malware tool. The automatic malware removal application is preferred because it doesn’t requires any additional technical skills and expertise.

Download the application and execute it on the PC to begin the depth scanning. Once the scanning gets completed, it shows the list of all the files related to OnlineToolSearch. You can select such harmful files and folders and remove them immediately.