How to remove the LeadingExplorerSearch adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is LeadingExplorerSearch?
While inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered the LeadingExplorerSearch application. Our analysis of this app revealed that it is advertising-supported software (adware). It is pertinent to mention that LeadingExplorerSearch belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
LeadingExplorerSearch adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by running intrusive advert campaigns. In other words, this software enables the placement of various ads (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, coupons, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
These advertisements promote scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that any legitimate content encountered through these ads is unlikely to be endorsed by its developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that adware may need specific conditions to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if LeadingExplorerSearch does not display adverts – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
What is more, this rogue application might have browser-hijacking functionalities since they are common to AdLoad adware, although we did not observe such qualities during testing.
LeadingExplorerSearch likely has data-tracking abilities as well. Advertising-supported software usually collects the following information: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like LeadingExplorerSearch on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by LeadingExplorerSearch |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.14), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adloa), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.k), 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), 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
We have inspected thousands of adware samples; TokenCollective, MainAdviseSearch, ActivityCache, RadianceChecked, and AssistiveBalance are merely some of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed by promises of useful and advantageous functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of its legitimacy or safety.
How did LeadingExplorerSearch install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to proliferate adware. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements are also used to spread advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without permission.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Additionally, installation must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of encounters with advertisements/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with LeadingExplorerSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the LeadingExplorerSearch adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.LeadingExplorerSearch/LeadingExplorerSearch
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.LeadingExplorerSearchDaemon/LeadingExplorerSearch
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.LeadingExplorerSearch.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.LeadingExplorerSearchDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps can create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:
1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar (Dock) and select "Profiles".
2) Locate all suspicious profiles and delete them.
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 LeadingExplorerSearch?
- STEP 1. Remove LeadingExplorerSearch related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LeadingExplorerSearch ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LeadingExplorerSearch adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LeadingExplorerSearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LeadingExplorerSearch adware using Combo Cleaner:
LeadingExplorerSearch adware removal:
Remove LeadingExplorerSearch-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 can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays advertisements that endorse deceptive and malicious content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, this software usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, etc. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LeadingExplorerSearch adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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