How to uninstall UltraSearchSystem adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is UltraSearchSystem?
UltraSearchSystem is dubious software categorized as adware with browser hijacker characteristics. Following successful infiltration, UltraSearchSystem runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and makes changes to browser settings to promote bogus search engines.
Most adware-type apps and browser hijackers have data tracking capabilities, which are employed to gather browsing-related information. Since most users download/install UltraSearchSystem unintentionally, it is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).
One of the dubious methods used to proliferate UltraSearchSystem is via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. Note that bogus software updaters/installers proliferate PUAs, Trojans, ransomware and other malware.
UltraSearchSystem adware overview
Adware delivers pop-ups, banners, surveys, full-page and other intrusive ads. These overlay web page content and restrict browsing speed. As well as diminishing the browsing experience, once clicked, intrusive ads redirect to untrusted/malicious sites and some can even stealthily download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs).
Browser hijackers operate by assigning the addresses of bogus search engines as the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs. Therefore, with a browser hijacker installed, each search made via the URL bar and new browser tab/window opened, redirects to the promoted address.
Fake search engines are rarely able to provide search results, and so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Google, Yahoo, Bing and other legitimate sites. Browser hijackers can also reset any changes users try to make to their browsers and/or limit/deny access to the browser settings outright.
Therefore, recovering a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it. Furthermore, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers) can track data. Information of interest includes browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, geolocations and other personally identifiable details.
This vulnerable data is then shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals), likewise seeking to misuse the information for profit. In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft.
To protect device and user safety, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by UltraSearchSystem |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus. |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Ikarus (Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Adload), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adlo), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.l), 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. |
Adware examples
MultiplySearch, ValidGeneration, AssistiveFile, and AdjustableProduct are some examples of other adware-type apps. They may seem legitimate and offer various "useful" functionality, however, the features seldom work as promised and, in most cases, do not work at all.
In fact, this information is true of most PUAs. This software has just one goal: to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than delivering any real value, PUAs can run intrusive advertisement campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects and collect private information.
How did UltraSearchSystem install on my computer?
PUAs are often downloaded/installed together with other products. This deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".
By rushing through download/installation (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Quick/Express" settings, etc.), many users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content into their devices. Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well.
When clicked, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without users' permission. Some PUAs have "official" download web pages.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Download software and files from official websites and via direct links. It is not safe to use torrent clients, eMule (or other Peer-to-Peer networks), third party downloaders, unofficial websites or other sources of this kind. Avoid third party installers. Check "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings, and decline offers to download or install unwanted software.
Do not click ads that are displayed on dubious websites, since they can open other untrusted websites or even cause unwanted downloads and installations. Remove any unwanted, suspicious applications (extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins) that are installed on the browser.
The same should be applied to programs of this kind that are installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with UltraSearchSystem, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to UltraSearchSystem adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.UltraSearchSystem/UltraSearchSystem
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.UltraSearchSystemDaemon/UltraSearchSystem
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.UltraSearchSystem.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.UltraSearchSystemDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote UltraSearchSystem 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 "UltraSearchSystem" 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 UltraSearchSystem?
- STEP 1. Remove UltraSearchSystem related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove UltraSearchSystem ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove UltraSearchSystem adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove UltraSearchSystem ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove UltraSearchSystem adware using Combo Cleaner:
UltraSearchSystem adware removal:
Remove UltraSearchSystem-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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
The presence of adware on a device may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It also displays advertisements that promote harmful content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software may have data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, adware may be capable of force-opening sites and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove UltraSearchSystem adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all detected adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. Since even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) may remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to remove adware thoroughly.
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