How to remove SearchSmartResults from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SearchSmartResults?
Upon scrutinizing the SearchSmartResults app, we observed traits suggesting it operates as an ad-supported application. The app displays intrusive ads, which raises concerns about potential negative consequences. As a result, users are advised to exercise caution and avoid installing SearchSmartResults.
SearchSmartResults adware in detail
SearchSmartResults is an adware program notorious for bombarding them with intrusive and potentially harmful advertisements. It can compromise the browsing and computing experience by injecting various types of ads into web pages or on the screen. These advertisements can manifest in different forms, ranging from pop-ups and banners to in-text ads and sponsored links.
These intrusive advertisements can promote questionable products, services, or websites and may even contain misleading information aimed at tricking users into clicking on them. Interacting with these ads can expose users to phishing scams, malware, or other security threats.
Users risk compromising their personal information, falling victim to identity theft, or unintentionally installing harmful software on their devices. Additionally, the adware's aggressive tactics may expose users to scams and fraudulent schemes, leading to financial losses or unauthorized access to sensitive data.
SearchSmartResults, being an adware application, has the potential to collect various types of user data (e.g., browsing history, search queries, clicked links, and other online activities). Moreover, it may be capable of gathering credit card details, passwords, or other sensitive information.
The obtained information may be exploited for targeted marketing or, in more malicious scenarios, sold to third parties for undisclosed purposes. Consequently, users are strongly advised to remove SearchSmartResults.
| Name | Ads by SearchSmartResults |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.35), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.BL), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Agent.ay), 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. |
Conclusion
SearchSmartResults is a troublesome adware that not only disrupts online experiences with intrusive ads but may also jeopardize user privacy through unauthorized data collection. Interacting with its ads can lead to malicious websites and potential security threats. In order to protect both user experience and personal information, it is imperative to detect and remove SearchSmartResults.
Examples of other adware similar to SearchSmartResults are ExpandedDivision, PlatformExplorer, and DataControl.
How did SearchSmartResults install on my computer?
Adware developers often use a tactic called bundling, where unwanted applications are included in the installation packages of other programs as additional offerings. Users inadvertently agree to install adware when they do not modify default settings, leaving options like "Advanced" or "Custom" unexplored or checkboxes selected.
Moreover, undesirable installations can take place through notifications from unreliable websites, downloads from peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, unofficial app stores, third-party downloaders, and similar sources. Deceptive advertisements are also employed to deceive users into unintentionally triggering installations.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
When downloading applications, stick to well-established platforms like Google Play or Apple Store, or official websites of trusted developers. Before downloading any app, take a moment to assess its reliability by reviewing user feedback and ratings.
Exercise caution during installations by customizing settings and unchecking boxes to prevent the inclusion of unwanted applications. Refrain from clicking on advertisements or promotional links, especially those promising free or exclusive content, particularly on questionable websites.
Maintain the security of your device by keeping the operating system and applications up to date. Use reputable antivirus or anti-malware software. If your computer is already infected with SearchSmartResults, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote the SearchSmartResults adware are designed to 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 SearchSmartResults?
- STEP 1. Remove SearchSmartResults related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SearchSmartResults ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SearchSmartResults adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SearchSmartResults ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SearchSmartResults adware using Combo Cleaner:
SearchSmartResults adware removal:
Remove SearchSmartResults-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 users often deal with annoying ads that disrupt their online experience, making it less enjoyable. These constant ads not only make the screen cluttered but can also slow down the computer. Moreover, using adware raises worries about privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware shows intrusive ads and can take over browsers, causing a disruptive user experience. Additionally, it is known for collecting user data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers typically make money by promoting various products, websites, or services. They earn a significant part of their income by participating in affiliate programs, where they receive commissions for actions like directing traffic or assisting in the sales process for affiliated entities.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SearchSmartResults?
Combo Cleaner assures the complete removal of all identified adware-type applications from your computer. Depending solely on manual removal may be insufficient, as some files might stay hidden within the operating system. Utilizing Combo Cleaner ensures a more thorough and effective approach.
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