Dartsearch.net POP-UP Redirect (Mac)
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is dartsearch.net?
dartsearch.net is a webpage that provides visitors with dubious content. Generally, most people end up visiting this website inadvertently due to adware-type potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) installed on their systems. People usually install these PUAs unintentionally.
They go on to serve users with various advertisements and record browsing-related data. Some other dubious websites similar to dartsearch.net include tweakingtools.info, getmacsoft.com, and nextoptim.com.
PUAs force users to visit dartsearch.net by opening new browser windows or tabs. At time of research, this website promoted the MacKeeper application, which is also categorized as a potentially unwanted app. We recommend that you do not download applications that are promoted using dubious websites such as dartsearch.net.
As well as redirects to untrustworthy websites, PUAs feed users with coupons, banners, pop-ups, surveys, and other intrusive advertisements. These ads conceal underlying content of visited websites and are displayed using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site.
They can be annoying and, if clicked, might lead to other dubious, deceptive websites containing malicious content. Some of these ads execute scripts that download/install unwanted apps. Another downside of having these apps installed is that they usually collect information such as IP addresses, search queries, URLs of visited websites, geo-locations, and so on.
In addition, PUAs might also record personal details. Developers of these PUAs share recorded information with third parties who then misuse it to generate revenue.
Note that some of these third parties might be cyber criminals. In summary, PUAs might cause problems relating to your privacy, browsing safety, and can lead to computer infections. We advise you to uninstall all PUAs immediately.
| Name | clickserve.dartsearch.net pop-up |
| Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Symptoms | Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Unwanted apps of this type are usually promoted as 'useful', capable of delivering various features, tools, and so on. When installed, however, they are simply used by developers to generate revenue. Furthermore, they provide none of the functionality promised or any other value.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Typically, unwanted apps infiltrate systems through intrusive advertisements or when developers use "bundling", a deceptive method that allows PUA developers to trick users into installing unwanted programs together with regular software downloaded from the internet.
Bundled apps are usually hidden in download or installation processes - "Custom"/"Advanced" (or similar) settings. These unwanted installations usually occur due to users who rush installation/download steps without studying the settings. Furthermore, many users click various ads, which can also result in installation or downloads of unwanted applications.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Pay enough attention when installing or downloading software, especially freeware. Check all available download or installation options/settings and opt-out of offers to install unwanted apps. Avoid using unofficial software download sources or third party software downloaders or installers. They are often used to promote unwanted apps.
Avoid visiting dubious websites, and do not click advertisements displayed on them. Many intrusive ads redirect to other dubious websites such as gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on. If you encounter these redirects, it is possible that an unwanted app is installed on your computer or web browser.
Check the list of installed add-ons, extensions, and plug-ins on your browser and programs on your computer. Remove all unwanted or suspicious entries immediately. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is dartsearch.net?
- STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Potentially unwanted applications removal:
Remove potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX", "NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove adware-related files and folders
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:
In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/
In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Outstanding!
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