How to uninstall StandartConsoleSearch adware from the system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is StandartConsoleSearch?
StandartConsoleSearch is an adware-type application with browser hijacker characteristics. It operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns and making modifications to browser settings to promote bogus search engines. Furthermore, most adware-type apps and browser hijackers have data tracking capabilities, which are employed to monitor browsing activity.
Since few users download/install StandartConsoleSearch intentionally, it is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). One of the dubious techniques used to proliferate StandartConsoleSearch is distribution via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. Bogus software updaters and installers spread various PUAs, Trojans, ransomware and other malware.
Adware enables the placement of pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, full-page and other intrusive advertisements, typically on any visited website. These ads are a significant nuisance, as they limit browsing speed and site visibility (by overlaying web page content).
Furthermore, once clicked, intrusive ads redirect to untrusted/malicious pages and some can even stealthily download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs). Browser hijackers assign the addresses of bogus search engines as the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs.
Therefore, with a browser hijacker installed, each new browser tab/window opened and web search made via the URL bar redirects to the promoted address. Fake search engines are rarely able to generate unique results, and so they redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google and other legitimate sites.
Recovering a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it, since browser hijackers can restrict/deny access to the browser settings and/or reset any permitted changes made. Furthermore, most PUAs can track data.
Data of interest includes: visited URLs, viewed web pages, searched queries, IP addresses, geolocations and other personally identifiable information. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial loss and even identity theft. Therefore, to ensure device integrity and user safety, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated without delay.
Name | Ads by StandartConsoleSearch |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus. |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Fortinet (Adware/Adload!OSX), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AD), 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. |
UltraSearchSystem, MultiplySearch, ValidGeneration, and AssistiveFile are some examples of software within the adware classification. It may seem normal and harmless, and users are often enticed into download/installation with offers of various "useful" functionality, however, the features promised are usually nonoperational.
In fact, this information is true of most PUAs. The only purpose of these unwanted apps is to generate profit for the developers. PUAs run intrusive ad campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects and gather private information.
How did StandartConsoleSearch 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
You are advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule, etc.) and other third party downloaders commonly offer harmful and bundled content, and are therefore untrusted and should be avoided.
When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, and so on. Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious and malicious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others).
If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately. If your computer is already infected with StandartConsoleSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to StandartConsoleSearch adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.StandartConsoleSearch/StandartConsoleSearch
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.StandartConsoleSearchDaemon/StandartConsoleSearch
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.StandartConsoleSearch.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.StandartConsoleSearchDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote StandartConsoleSearch 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 "StandartConsoleSearch" 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 StandartConsoleSearch?
- STEP 1. Remove StandartConsoleSearch related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove StandartConsoleSearch ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove StandartConsoleSearch adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove StandartConsoleSearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove StandartConsoleSearch adware using Combo Cleaner:
StandartConsoleSearch adware removal:
Remove StandartConsoleSearch-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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