Remove LeadingExplorerSearch From Mac

Proper Guide For Advertising App Elimination

LeadingExplorerSearch is a browser hijacker that secretly infiltrates the Mac computers, takes over the web browser and modifies users’ search results. This unwanted program can cause annoying pop-ups, redirections, and changes to your homepage without users’ approval. The hijacker is usually installed on your Mac without your knowledge, bundled with free software downloads. Once it is installed, it makes alterations to default browser settings and takes over the search engine, replacing it with its own. The browser-based infection is compatible with popular web browsers, including Chrome, Opera, Safari, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.

Quick Glance

Name: LeadingExplorerSearch

Class: Mac virus, Browser hijacker, adware

Features: Modifies default browser’ settings, floods users’ screen with irritating ads and page redirects

Danger level: Medium

Signs: Changes in browser’s settings, page-redirects, regular ads flow, etc.

Distribution: Bundled software, fake software updates, misleading ads, etc.

LeadingExplorerSearch: Depth View

When it takes over your browser, LeadingExplorerSearch sets the default search provider to its own, which may not be as reliable as other search engines like Google, Yahoo, or Bing. The program also changes your homepage and new tab page to its own, which can be annoying and lead to unwanted ads. One of the primary goals of this hijacker is to generate online revenue through advertising. It displays ads and pop-ups based on your search queries, browsing history, and other information it gathers from your system. However, some of the ads displayed by the adware may be malicious or lead to phishing websites, which may compromise your privacy and security.

Aside from the irritation of having your web browser hijacked, LeadingExplorerSearch, DeckData, and other similar apps can also slow down your Mac and consume system resources. It may run in the background and interfere with other applications, causing crashes or freezes. You should scan your computer with anti-malware software to detect and eliminate any remaining threats. This notorious pest may have installed other malware or spyware on your Mac, which can cause further damage or compromise your security. So, take an immediate action and remove LeadingExplorerSearch as well as all other nasty apps that it might have installed.

Distribution Of Unwanted Program:

The hijacker is usually installed on your PC without your knowledge, bundled with free software downloads. When you download free programs from third-party sources and then decide to install it using the Quick or Default mode set, you are liable to get intruded by such undesired software pieces. To avoid this, make sure you don’t rush through the installation steps and always pick the Advanced or Custom option where you can see and opt-out the needless apps from the software package. Also, rely on official or verified download channels only and never trust random website or content.

Frequently Asked Questions

What LeadingExplorerSearch actually is?

LeadingExplorerSearch is a browser hijacker that can take over your web browser and alter your search results. This unwanted program can cause irritating pop-ups, redirections, and changes to your homepage without your consent. It can even collect your important data and may lead to severe privacy issues.

How to eliminate the program and protect the Mac from such infections?

To remove this application from your device, you need to uninstall the program, reset your web browser settings, and scan your computer with anti-malware software. By taking these steps, you can get rid of the hijacker and restore your system’s security and stability. You can use reputable anti-malware programs like the one provided below to scan your computer and remove any threats.

Remove Files and Folders Related to LeadingExplorerSearch

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