Removing AuraLookup adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is AuraLookup?
AuraLookup is a rogue application that we discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this app, we learned that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware) and is part of the AdLoad malware family.
AuraLookup adware overview
Adware might require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. For example, this software might not display ads if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or similar. However, regardless of whether AuraLookup (or other adware) delivers advertisements or not - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Adware-delivered adverts endorse untrustworthy/harmful websites and software, online scams, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive advertisements are capable of stealthily downloading/installing software - once clicked.
Note that any genuine products advertised through adware are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
AuraLookup may also have browser hijacker traits, as they are common for AdLoad adware. However, we did not observe any during our analysis.
What is more, this app likely has data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software typically gathers the following information: browsing activity, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information is then monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of AuraLookup or similar software on devices - can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AuraLookup |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.AdloadTR.652), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.l), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| 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. |
Adware examples
LatestFeed, CrossSign, and ActiveProcess are merely a few examples of the adware we have analyzed recently. This software usually appears legitimate and offers "handy" functionalities. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did AuraLookup install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using various deceptive methods. It can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps and sections, etc.) - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Fake Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in distribution. Advertising-supported software is proliferated through intrusive advertisements as well. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
Additionally, adware is endorsed on misleading download webpages and scam sites. Most users access such websites via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and only downloading from official/verified sources. Furthermore, installation must be approached with caution. Hence, we recommend reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions.
It is just as important to be vigilant when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content typically appears harmless. For example, intrusive adverts look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you encounter such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AuraLookup, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once AuraLookup adware's installation is over:
AuraLookup adware's installation folder:
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 AuraLookup?
- STEP 1. Remove AuraLookup related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AuraLookup ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AuraLookup adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AuraLookup ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AuraLookup adware using Combo Cleaner:
AuraLookup adware removal:
Remove AuraLookup-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 may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is also deemed to be a privacy threat, as this software usually has data tracking functionalities. What is more, adware-delivered advertisements can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. It may also be capable of force-opening sites and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, services, and similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AuraLookup adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all the adware-type applications present. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the software itself has been (manually) removed - various components (files) remain hidden in the system. Furthermore, such remnants can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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