How to remove WebSearchHelp adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is WebSearchHelp?
WebSearchHelp is an application classed as adware. Our researchers discovered this app during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. WebSearchHelp belongs to the AdLoad malware family. It displays advertisements and may have additional harmful capabilities.
WebSearchHelp adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. This software enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific sites, etc.). Even if WebSearchHelp does not display adverts – its presence endangers device/user safety.
Adware-delivered ads predominantly promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. When clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Keep in mind that any genuine products/services encountered via these adverts are most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
While AdLoad applications commonly have browser hijacker functions, we did not observe these abilities while investigating WebSearchHelp.
Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of the WebSearchHelp app. Information of interest can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like WebSearchHelp on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by WebSearchHelp |
| 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 analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; SpeedHelpDesk, TechnologyPersonal, TechShack, and VirtualSupplies are merely some examples.
Software within this classification usually appears genuine and harmless. Users are enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of various functionalities. However, these features are typically fake and nonoperational.
It must be mentioned that even if an app or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did WebSearchHelp install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., by ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated 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 careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with WebSearchHelp, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once WebSearchHelp adware's installation is over:
WebSearchHelp 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 WebSearchHelp?
- STEP 1. Remove WebSearchHelp related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove WebSearchHelp ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove WebSearchHelp adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove WebSearchHelp ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove WebSearchHelp adware using Combo Cleaner:
WebSearchHelp adware removal:
Remove WebSearchHelp-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 promote content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Furthermore, adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on various interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of force-opening websites and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove WebSearchHelp adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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