How to uninstall ApolloSearch adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is ApolloSearch?
ApolloSearch is a rogue application classified as adware (not to be confused with another adware-type app of the same name). It also has browser hijacker traits. Following installation, this app runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and makes alterations to browser settings to promote fake search engines.
Additionally, most adware and browser hijackers have data tracking capabilities, which are employed to monitor users' browsing activity. Therefore, it is likely that ApolloSearch has this functionality as well.
Due to the dubious methods used to distribute this app, it is categorized as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).
ApolloSearch has been noted being spread via fake Adobe Flash updates. Note that bogus software updaters distribute PUAs and also Trojans, ransomware, and other malware.
Adware enables the placement of third party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other ads), typically on any visited website. The delivered advertisements are more than just a nuisance, they pose a threat to device/user safety. Once clicked, intrusive ads redirect to various untrusted, misleading, compromised, deceptive/scam, and malicious sites. Some can be triggered (when clicked) to execute scripts designed to download/install software (e.g., PUAs) without users' permission.
Browser hijackers reassign the homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs. With this software installed, each new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar redirects to the promoted address. Fake search engines are rarely able to generate unique 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 attempt to make to their browsers and restrict/deny access to the browser settings outright. Therefore, recovering a hijacked browser is impossible without eliminating the software affecting it.
Most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data. They monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect sensitive information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations, and even personally identifiable details). The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial loss, and even identity theft. To ensure device integrity and user privacy, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by ApolloSearch |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), BitDefender (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.7), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adloa), 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. |
ExploreActivity, VideoBoxApp, SystemMonitor, and AnalyzerDivision are some examples of other apps within the adware category. They may seem legitimate and harmless, and users are enticed into download/installation with promises of "useful" functions, however, the features are seldom operational.
In fact, this is true of most unwanted applications, since the only purpose of PUAs is to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than delivering any real value, this software can run intrusive advertisement campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects, and collect private data.
How did ApolloSearch 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 of software (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 from which they can be downloaded.
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), 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.
Installed programs must be activated and updated with tools or implemented functions that are provided by the official developers. No other third party, unofficial tools should be used.
Note that it is illegal to activate licensed software with ‘cracking’ tools. Files and programs should be downloaded from official websites and via direct download links. Avoid third party installers and the tools/sources mentioned above.
Do not open website links or files in irrelevant emails that are received from unknown, suspicious addresses. These bogus emails are often disguised as official and important. Regularly, scan your computer with reputable, up-to-date antivirus or anti-spyware software.
Pop-up window displayed when ApolloSearch adware is installed:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"ApolloSearchd" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Screenshots of the deceptive installer (fake Flash Player updater) used to distribute ApolloSearch adware.
First installation step:
Second installation step:
Files related to the ApolloSearch adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.ApolloSearch.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.ApolloSearch.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.ApolloSearch.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.ApolloSearch.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases, malicious applications like OriginalModule alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of dubious websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you must restore them manually.
Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.
Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.
Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".
Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also assign the settings of each protocol to the default: "*.local, 169.254/16".
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 ApolloSearch?
- STEP 1. Remove ApolloSearch related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ApolloSearch ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ApolloSearch adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ApolloSearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ApolloSearch adware using Combo Cleaner:
ApolloSearch adware removal:
Remove ApolloSearch-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?
Adware infiltrated into a system can diminish its performance and negatively affect the browsing experience. Furthermore, this software typically has data tracking capabilities, which make it a threat to user privacy. Furthermore, the adware-displayed ads can be dangerous and cause other serious issues.
What does adware do?
Adware is advertising-supported software. It is designed for the purpose of feeding various advertisements to users. The ads can be displayed on any visited website and/or different interfaces.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit through the promotion of websites, software, services, and so on. The developers of this software can earn commission from ad clicks, web page visits, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ApolloSearch adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Note that manual removal might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the software itself is (manually) removed, remaining files are hidden in the system. These components can continue to run and cause problems.
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