Removal instructions for SearchAchive adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SearchAchive?
While investigating new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered the SearchAchive app. After inspecting it, we determined that SearchAchive operates as advertising-supported software (adware) and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
SearchAchive adware overview
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. It displays ads on visited webpages and/or different interfaces. These adverts primarily promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and potential malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that genuine content encountered through these ads is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver advertisements if certain conditions are unsuitable, such as an incompatible browser/system, specific websites not visited, etc. However, regardless of whether SearchAchive displays adverts – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Additionally, AdLoad adware tends to have browser-hijacker functionalities, although SearchAchive did not exhibit any during analysis.
Furthermore, this rogue application likely has data-tracking functionalities. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like SearchAchive on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SearchAchive |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.7), 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 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 examined thousands of adware-type apps; SampleScheduler, WebDivision, and OptimalModule are merely a couple of examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and harmless. It seldom operates as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be emphasized that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SearchAchive install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is commonly endorsed on scam websites. Users predominantly enter these webpages via redirects generated by mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
"Bundling" – packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to proliferate advertising-supported software. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, intrusive advertisements spread adware. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution while browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears ordinary and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this type, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SearchAchive, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed when SearchAchive adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"SearchAchived" will damage your computer.
The file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Files related to the SearchAchive adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.SearchAchive.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.SearchAchive.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.SearchAchive.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.SearchAchive.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like SearchAchive alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you'll have to 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 set the settings of each protocol to 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 SearchAchive?
- STEP 1. Remove SearchAchive related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SearchAchive ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SearchAchive adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SearchAchive ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SearchAchive adware using Combo Cleaner:
SearchAchive adware removal:
Remove SearchAchive-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 displays ads promoting content that is capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The presence of this software on a device may decrease browsing quality and system performance. Advertising-supported software often possesses data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functionalities can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting products and services. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SearchAchive adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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