How to remove the SearchInternetResults adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SearchInternetResults?
SearchInternetResults is a rogue app that we discovered during a routine investigation of new file submissions to the VirusTotal website.
Our examination revealed that this application is advertising-supported software (adware). SearchInternetResults belongs to the AdLoad malware family. It is designed to feed users with undesirable and deceptive ads.
SearchInternetResults adware overview
Adware operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, surveys, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
It is noteworthy that specific conditions may be necessary for software within this classification to display advertisements (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). Even if SearchInternetResults does not deliver ads – its presence on a device remains a threat.
Adware-displayed adverts predominantly promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products/services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
While AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities, SearchInternetResults did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to the SearchInternetResults app. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like SearchInternetResults on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SearchInternetResults |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.24), 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 applications; SkillsRefer, SectionOperation, and SoftwareSkillMatrix are just a few examples.
Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and innocuous. It also offers a wide variety of "useful" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions 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 a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SearchInternetResults install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on deceptive/scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects generated by websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive adverts. Upon being clicked, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look ordinary/innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SearchInternetResults, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the SearchInternetResults adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.SearchInternetResults/SearchInternetResults
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.SearchInternetResultsDaemon/SearchInternetResults
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.SearchInternetResults.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.SearchInternetResultsDaemon.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 SearchInternetResults?
- STEP 1. Remove SearchInternetResults related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SearchInternetResults ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SearchInternetResults adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SearchInternetResults ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SearchInternetResults adware using Combo Cleaner:
SearchInternetResults adware removal:
Remove SearchInternetResults-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-delivered adverts primarily promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, it usually has data-tracking abilities – therefore, adware is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SearchInternetResults adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, various file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion