How to remove the AnySearchService adware-type app from your Mac

What kind of application is AnySearchService?

While investigating submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our research team discovered the AnySearchService app. Upon inspection, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. AnySearchService is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.

AnySearchService adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically operates by feeding users with undesirable and potentially harmful ads. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) is displayed on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

Specific conditions might be necessary for adware to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if AnySearchService does not deliver adverts – the application's presence on a system threatens device/user safety.

Adware-displayed advertisements predominantly endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Note that while legitimate content may be encountered via these adverts – it is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

We have found AdLoad apps with browser-hijacking functionalities in the past – however, AnySearchService did not exhibit these qualities during testing.

AnySearchService likely has data-tracking abilities, as they are standard for adware. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. This sensitive information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like AnySearchService on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by AnySearchService
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.5), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware examples

We have examined thousands of adware-type applications; VirtualRotator, AnalyzeService, and StandartServer are merely a couple of our newest finds. Advertising-supported software typically appears ordinary and innocuous.

Users can be lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of "handy" features. However, these functionalities are usually nonoperational. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of legitimacy or safety.

How did AnySearchService install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using the bundling method – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. The risk of allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked. These adverts are also used to proliferate advertising-supported software.

Additionally, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Most users access these webpages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, exploring 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, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AnySearchService, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Files related to the AnySearchService adware that need to be removed:

• ~/Library/Application Support/com.AnySearchService/AnySearchService
• ~/Library/Application Support/com.AnySearchServiceDaemon/AnySearchService
• ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.AnySearchService.plist
• ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.AnySearchServiceDaemon.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 AnySearchService?
• STEP 1. Remove AnySearchService related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove AnySearchService ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove AnySearchService adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove AnySearchService ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove AnySearchService adware using Combo Cleaner:

AnySearchService adware removal:

Remove AnySearchService-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?

Ads delivered by adware may promote content that can cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Advertising-supported software can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, adware is classed as a privacy threat, as it usually collects private data.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns. It displays ads on various interfaces (e.g., visited sites, desktops, etc.). Some adware types are also capable of generating redirects and collecting sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, products, software, services, and so forth.

Will Combo Cleaner remove AnySearchService adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all adware-type applications detected. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers stay hidden within the system. The remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion