How to remove search search engine virus from Mac

Delete search search engine virus from the system

search search engine virus is a potentially unwanted application that typically infiltrates in without users’ consent. Various techniques lead its secret installation – such as Flash Player Update prompt or software bundle packages download torrent websites. In other word, users do not install search search engine virus adware on Mac computer with intention instead end up getting this app installed behind their backs.

More about search search engine virus

After the install, search search engine virus abuses the built-in AppleScript to acquire complete persistence over the system that allow it to activate with OS reboot, run all time, read sensitive information and install other malware with permission. Also, it appends a browser extension to Safari, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox that helps in gathering data like passwords stored on web browsers.

Additionally, the PUP tries to generate income through ads by changing browser settings such as the homepage to some promotional URL and redirect all searches via it. As a result of this, various pop-ups, in-text links, banners, deals, offers, coupons and other commercial content appear on the regular basis. Besides, the modifications on the browsers ensure the search results appear included with various sponsored links that redirect to random sites that could be scam, malware-laden, phishing, spoofing or other malicious websites.

Threat Summary

Name: search search engine virus

Threat type: Mac virus, Mac malware

Symptoms: Your Mac becomes slower than normal. You see unwanted pop-ups, and fake redirection to dubious websites

Distribution methods: deceptive pop-ups, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads

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

Malware removal: To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with reputable antivirus tool or follow manual instruction provided below the post

The search search engine virus app drops malicious .plist files on the system that makes users difficult to perform its removal. Our guide is to run a full system scan using some powerful antivirus software. This way, you will be able to eliminate the malicious entries automatically and will not have to dig through files and folders. If you want to perform the removal manually, we are providing for the instruction of that as well – check below the post for the complete step-by-step search search engine virus removal guideline.

Learn how to avoid unwanted apps intrusion

Potentially unwanted applications such as search search engine virus are most commonly delivered via fake updates. This trick makes users believe that something is missing for their computers or that the computer has been detected some viruses. These claims are just a hoax, you should never download anything offered like this way on the browser or you may end up to some nasty malware installation on your device, at the end.

Additionally, we strongly recommend you to stay away from third-party sources. Such channels offer pirated software or software cracks- both of which are dangerous. You should choose official Apple Store or other reputable sites when looking for any apps to install. Also, you must not rush the download and install option. Always pick the right source for the installation – Custom/Advanced option with the help of which you can check all included apps with the chosen software you download and de-select the one that you not want to enter you device, during the installation moment.

Remove search search engine virus

If you believe that you device has got infected, we recommend take this matter seriously as you may soon suffer the financial loss or even identity theft, and even the system performance based issue due to some dangerous malware such Spyware or worm intrusion.

To remove search search engine virus, you can use some reputable antivirus and perform a full system scan. This way, you will be able to eliminate the unwanted apps and all associated apps automatically. However, if you have advanced skip and previous knowledge of removing viruses and want to perform the removal process manually, we recommend refer to the guide below so that you will perform removal process without facing any difficulties.

Remove Files and Folders Related to search search engine virus

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 search search engine virus 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 search search engine virus 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 search search engine virus. You can select such harmful files and folders and remove them immediately.