Remove GeneralBoardSearch from Mac OS

Proper steps to delete GeneralBoardSearch

GeneralBoardSearch is an adware type programs that operates as a search tool to enhance users web browsing experience. However, its main motive is to inject intrusive advertisements as well as modify search settings in order to redirect users to sponsored websites. However, this app is classified as an adware and browser hijacker. Furthermore, these types of app are also designed to collect users browsing related data.

Due to this, users may encounter excessive amount of adverts in various forms that includes coupons, surveys, pop-ups, banners, deals and many more. Those delivered ads totally degrade your web browsing experience and keep redirecting your browser on unknown sites. Apart from this, browser hijackers promote fake search engines by changing settings of installed browsers such as homepage, default search engine and new tab URL.

Furthermore, most adware and browser hijacker are also designed to collect information relating to users browsing habits. It can share private details with third parties who might be cyber criminals who can use that sensitive information for illegal online activities. It means users who have installed apps like GeneralBoardSearch might become victim of identity theft. So, users who have this type of apps installed on their device should uninstall it immediately.

How did GeneralBoardSearch intrude?

This app is mainly distributed by using fake Adobe Flash Player installer. Another common and effective method that is used to distribute PUAs is included in download or installation setups of other programs. This deceptive marketing method is called bundling. Although, information about included apps can be declined under the settings of custom, advanced or similar. However, users download and install programs without checking and checking those settings that offers to download and install included apps. In some cases, PUAs can be spread by clicking on deceptive advertisements that are designed to execute certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of PUAs?

It is recommended to download programs and files only from official and trustworthy websites. Other untrustworthy software download channels like third party installer, free file hosting sites, unofficial pages and others should not be used for downloading and installing software. Moreover, it is not safe to click on questionable ads especially if they are displayed on dubious pages. While installing any program, never complete installation processes without checking custom or advance as well as other similar settings. If your PC is already infected with GeneralBoardSearch then we suggest you to use some reliable process or go through given removal instructions.

Threat summary

Name: GeneralBoardSearch

Type: Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus

Description: GeneralBoardSearch is a fake search extension that injects advertisements of all sorts while browsing. Causing browser redirects to questionable sites.

Symptoms: Deliver of Fake Adobe Update warnings, installation of adware programs, Change of browser settings and displaying intrusive advertisements.

Distribution Method: Bundled freeware and shareware, suspicious links, corrupted websites, pirated or cracked software and many more.

Damage: internet browser tracking (potentially privacy issues), loss of private information, display of unwanted ads and redirect to dubious websites.

Detection Tool: See if your system has been affected by GeneralBoardSearch then we suggest you to go through given below removal instructions.

Remove Files and Folders Related to GeneralBoardSearch

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