How to remove GlobalQuestSearch from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is GlobalQuestSearch?
GlobalQuestSearch is a rogue application categorized as adware. It also has browser hijacker characteristics. This app operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns, making modifications to browser settings, and promoting bogus search engines.
Adware type apps and browser hijackers typically possess data tracking capabilities, and this is likely to include GlobalQuestSearch. Due to the dubious techniques used to proliferate GlobalQuestSearch, it is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).
One of these methods is proliferation through fake Adobe Flash Player updates. Bogus software updaters/installers also spread Trojans, ransomware, and other malware.
Adware delivers pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys and various others intrusive ads. These overlay web page content and reduce browsing speed, however, they are more that just a nuisance. Once clicked, they can redirect to untrusted/malicious websites and even execute scripts to stealthily download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs).
Browser hijackers reassign the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs to the addresses of fake search engines. Therefore, each search query typed into the URL bar and each browser tab/window opened redirects to the promoted address.
Rogue search engines are seldom capable of providing unique results, and so they tend to redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Google, Yahoo, Bing and other genuine sites. Additionally, any changes users attempt to make are automatically reset, if access to the settings is permitted at all.
As mentioned, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data. They can monitor users' browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect personal information (IP addresses, geolocations and other details).
The gathered data is usually shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, the presence of PUAs on devices can lead to system infections, financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft. To ensure device and user safety, remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins without delay.
Name | Ads by GlobalQuestSearch |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus. |
Additional Information | This application belongs to Adload malware family. |
Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious 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. |
MapperObject, TypicalFraction, InetWebSearch are some examples of other adware infections. These rogue applications may seem legitimate and useful, and users are often tempted into download/installation with offers of various features. In fact, the functions promised are rarely operational, and this is true of most PUAs.
The only purpose of these unwanted apps is to generate revenue for the developers. Regular users receive no real value and can instead experience serious issues. PUAs run intrusive ad campaigns, hijack browsers, force-open dubious/malicious sites and gather private data.
How did GlobalQuestSearch install on my computer?
PUAs are proliferated via the download/installation set-ups of other products. This deceptive marketing technique of packing normal software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".
By rushing through download/installations processes (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, etc.), many users risk inadvertently allowing dubious or bundled content into the system. Some PUAs have "official" download web pages. When clicked, intrusive ads can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without users' permission.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
You are advised to research all software prior to download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Untrusted sources such as unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks (BitTorrent, eMule, Gnutella, etc.) and other third party downloaders can offer deceptive or bundled content, and should thus be avoided.
When downloading/installing, it is important to read the terms, study all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of supplementary apps, tools, features and other additions. Intrusive ads may seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to highly dubious sites (e.g. pornography, gambling, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience these ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with GlobalQuestSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to GlobalQuestSearch adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.GlobalQuestSearch/GlobalQuestSearch
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.GlobalQuestSearchDaemon/GlobalQuestSearch
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.GlobalQuestSearch.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.GlobalQuestSearchDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote GlobalQuestSearch adware are designed to create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:
1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar and select "Profiles".
2) Select the "GlobalQuestSearch" profile and delete it.
3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.
After performing these actions, you can proceed with further removal steps for this adware.
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 GlobalQuestSearch?
- STEP 1. Remove GlobalQuestSearch related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove GlobalQuestSearch ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove GlobalQuestSearch adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove GlobalQuestSearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
GlobalQuestSearch adware removal:
Remove GlobalQuestSearch-related 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.
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