How to uninstall SectionIndexer adware from the operating system

What is SectionIndexer?

SectionIndexer is an aware-type app with browser hijacker traits. It operates by delivering intrusive advertisements, making alterations to browser settings and promoting fake search engines. SectionIndexer promotes Safe Finder via akamaihd.net in this way.

Due to the dubious tactics employed in SectionIndexer's distribution, it is also categorized as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). Typically, PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) monitor users' browsing activity and collect sensitive information extracted from it.

Adware delivers pop-ups, surveys, banners, coupons, full-page and other intrusive ads. These reduce browsing speed and overlay web page content. Additionally, when clicked, intrusive ads redirect to various dubious/malicious sites and some can even stealthily download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs).

Browser hijackers assign the addresses of fake search engines as the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs. Therefore, new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar redirect to the address of the promoted search engine.

SectionIndexer promotes Safe Finder through akamaihd.net in this manner. Rogue web searchers are usually unable to generate unique results, and so they redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing and other genuine search engines.

Recovering a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it, since browser hijackers can deny access to the browser settings and/or undo any changes users attempt to make. As mentioned, it is highly likely that SectionIndexer has data tracking capabilities.

PUAs are often able to monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and gather personal information derived from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). The collected information is monetized by PUA developers by sharing with and/or selling to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on devices can result in system infections, financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft. To ensure device and user safety, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by SectionIndexer
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
Detection Names	AVG (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Sophos AV (Adloadr (PUA)), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.i), Full List (VirusTotal).
Additional Information	This application belongs to the 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

ConnectionIndexer, CapitalCharacterSearch and Docallisec are some examples of other adware-type apps. They may seem normal and offer various "useful" functionality, however, the advertised functions are typically nonoperational. In fact, this applies to most PUAs.

The sole purpose of these unwanted applications is to generate revenue for the developers. Regular users receive no value and can instead experience serious issues. PUAs deliver intrusive ad campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects and track private data.

How did SectionIndexer install on my computer?

PUAs are distributed through the download/installation set-ups of other software. This deceptive marketing method of packing regular products with unwanted or malicious additions is termed "bundling".

By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g. ignoring terms, using pre-set options, etc.), many users risk inadvertent installation of dubious and/or bundled content. Some PUAs have "official" download web pages. When clicked, intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without users' consent.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

All products should be researched before download/installation. You are advised to download from official and verified sources. Untrusted channels such as unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders can offer deceptive and/or bundled content for download.

When downloading/installing, it is important to read the terms, explore all available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings and opt-out of supplementary apps, tools, functions and other additions. You are strongly advised to exercise caution when browsing.

Intrusive ads may seem legitimate and harmless, however, they can redirect to highly dubious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so on). If you encounter ads/redirects of this kind, inspect your devices and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins.

If your computer is already infected with SectionIndexer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once SectionIndexer installation is complete:

SectionIndexer redirecting users to Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net:

SectionIndexer adware installation folder:

SectionIndexer adware installed onto the Safari browser:

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 SectionIndexer?
• STEP 1. Remove SectionIndexer related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove SectionIndexer ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove SectionIndexer adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove SectionIndexer ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove SectionIndexer adware using Combo Cleaner:

SectionIndexer adware removal:

Remove SectionIndexer-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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