How to remove LookupSystem and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is LookupSystem?
While investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal website, our researchers discovered the LookupSystem app. Our inspection revealed that LookupSystem is adware from the AdLoad malware family. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, and this application may have additional harmful capabilities.
LookupSystem adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays advertisements on various interfaces. Note that certain conditions may be necessary for this software to deliver ads (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether LookupSystem displays adverts – the app's presence on a system remains a threat to device/user safety.
Adware-delivered advertisements promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It must be mentioned that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely endorsed in this manner by scammers abusing its affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Although AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking qualities, LookupSystem did not exhibit these traits during analysis.
This adware-type app likely has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (i.e., usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, advertising-supported software like LookupSystem may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by LookupSystem |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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
OptimalBrowser, ConnectionLocator, ApplicationLaser, and MotionOptimizer are merely a few examples of adware we have analyzed recently. This software usually appears legitimate and offers various functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.
It is worth mentioning that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did LookupSystem install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" download pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users typically access these webpages via redirects caused by sites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look ordinary and harmless – but they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with adverts and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with LookupSystem, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once LookupSystem adware's installation is over:
LookupSystem 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
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Quick menu:
- What is LookupSystem?
- STEP 1. Remove LookupSystem related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LookupSystem ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LookupSystem adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LookupSystem ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LookupSystem adware using Combo Cleaner:
LookupSystem adware removal:
Remove LookupSystem-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 delivers ads promoting deceptive/hazardous content capable of causing severe issues, such as system infections, financial losses, etc. Advertising-supported software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is also considered to be a threat to user privacy since it usually collects private data.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns. This software displays ads on various interfaces; some types can also generate redirects and gather vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, and other content. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LookupSystem adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It must be noted that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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