How to remove SearchWebAid from Mac

Complete tips to delete SearchWebAid

SearchWebAid is an adware-type application that shares browser-hijacker characteristic. So, this app delivers intrusive ads and also makes modifications to the browsers’ settings to promote address of fake search engine. In addition, it is likely to have the dangerous data tracking capability as well that such apps use to spy on users’ browsing activity and collect sensitive/ personal data. Since users often download/ install the apps like this unintentionally, these are deemed to be potentially unwanted applications. Commonly, installers for fake Adobe Flash Players update are used to distribute this application.

Adware delivers pop-ups, surveys, banners, coupons and other intrusive advertisements. The third party graphical content is presented on any visited website. The delivered ads diminish the browsing experience as they limit the website visibility and web browsing speed. Furthermore, these ads pose a threat to device and user safety. They promote various sale-based, rogue, untrustworthy, deceptive/ scam and malicious sites. Some of these ads can be designed to trigger malicious scripts –to stealthy download/ install software (PUAs).

Browser hijackers operate by modifying web browsers’ settings like homepage, new tab pages and search engine option. Hence, with such apps installed, every opened tab and entered query on the URLs search bar – redirect to certain web address. Usually, fake web searchers are promoted by such applications. They are not capable of generating search results and so they tend to redirect to Google, Bing, Yahoo and other legitimate ones. Browser hijackers can undo any changes made to their settings and thus without their removal, you cannot restore the web browser application.

What’s more, most PUAs have dangerous data tracking feature. The targeted data include IP addresses, Search queries, Viewed pages, URLs visited, ISP, Geo-locations, Type of OS and browser used and etc. The collected data could be monetized by sharing and/or being sold to third parties/ potent crooks, likewise intent on misusing it for financial gain. To sum up, the presence of the unwanted app on system can result into severe system infections, privacy issues, and identity theft and so on. To prevent such things, you should immediately remove all suspicious applications upon detection.

How did SearchWebAid install on my system?

PUAs are often distributed through download/ installation setups of other programs. This false marketing method of packing one app with unwanted and malicious additions –is termed as software bundling. Rushed the download/ installation processes, such as skipped steps and sections, used pre-set options and etc – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device. Once clicked on, intrusive ads can cause such software download by running malicious scripts. Some of these applications could have their promotional/ download pages.

How to prevent PUAs installation?

It is advised to research software well before their download/ install and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be done using official websites and direct links. Untrustworthy downloading channels such as unofficial and free file hosting sites, p2p networks and other third party downloaders- commonly offer harmful and bundled content. During downloading/ installing, read all terms, study possible option, use Custom/Advanced settings and opt out all additionally attached apps, tools, functions and so on. Intrusive ads appear on questionable pages should not be clicked as well – they often open the pages of same kinds. Sometimes, they are designed to run certain scripts to cause unwanted download/ installation.

Remove Files and Folders Related to SearchWebAid

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 SearchWebAid 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 SearchWebAid 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 SearchWebAid. You can select such harmful files and folders and remove them immediately.