Removal instructions for the GlobalLetterSearch adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is GlobalLetterSearch?
GlobalLetterSearch is an adware-type application from the AdLoad malware family. The app generates revenue for its developers by feeding users unwanted and potentially malicious ads. Our research team discovered GlobalLetterSearch while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal platform.
GlobalLetterSearch adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, coupons, overlays, etc.) on visited websites or different interfaces.
The displayed advertisements predominantly promote online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and malware. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who are motivated to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed product's affiliate programs.
Adware might not run intrusive advertisement campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system specs, particular websites not visited, etc.). However, even if GlobalLetterSearch does not display ads – its presence on a device threatens system and user safety.
Many AdLoad applications possess browser-hijacking capabilities, although the GlobalLetterSearch adware did not exhibit these qualities during testing.
Advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of GlobalLetterSearch. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, software like GlobalLetterSearch may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by GlobalLetterSearch |
| 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 (HEUR:Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Agent.ad), 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 samples; InitialClick, Wappo.app, ChannelDevice, and UltraApplication are just a few of our latest finds. Software within this classification usually appears legitimate and offers various functionalities. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if an app or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did GlobalLetterSearch install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, and other third-party sources. This risk is further compounded by treating installation processes with negligence, e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.
Some intrusive advertisements are capable of executing scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent – upon being clicked. These ads are also used to proliferate advertising-supported software.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy channels. Another recommendation is to treat installation processes with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, etc.
Fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous – therefore, it is essential to be vigilant while browsing. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless – however, they redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with GlobalLetterSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the GlobalLetterSearch adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.GlobalLetterSearch/GlobalLetterSearch
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.GlobalLetterSearchDaemon/GlobalLetterSearch
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.GlobalLetterSearch.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.GlobalLetterSearchDaemon.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 GlobalLetterSearch?
- STEP 1. Remove GlobalLetterSearch related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove GlobalLetterSearch ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove GlobalLetterSearch adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove GlobalLetterSearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove GlobalLetterSearch adware using Combo Cleaner:
GlobalLetterSearch adware removal:
Remove GlobalLetterSearch-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays advertisements that endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Additionally, advertising-supported software is classed as a privacy threat since it usually collects vulnerable data.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces. Furthermore, some adware types can also force-open webpages and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove GlobalLetterSearch adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be ideal. After the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) can remain hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion