How to eliminate the FindWebResults adware-type app from your Mac

What kind of application is FindWebResults?

Our researchers found the FindWebResults application during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform.

We determined that this app is advertising-supported software (adware) that belongs to the AdLoad malware family. FindWebResults operates by delivering intrusive ad campaigns and may be capable of performing other harmful activities.

FindWebResults adware overview

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. In most cases, software within this classification displays advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

The ads primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and even malware. Some can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that while genuine products or services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers or other official parties. This promotion is most likely undertaken by scammers who are motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.

Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive advertisement campaigns if the browser/system specs are incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if FindWebResults does not display advertisements – it remains a threat to system/user safety.

It is pertinent to mention that AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities, but we did not observe these qualities while testing FindWebResults.

Adware usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of FindWebResults. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. This vulnerable data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like FindWebResults on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by FindWebResults
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.14), 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. ▼ 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

AnalogInterface, CommonRemote, BrowserProgress, and OriginQueue are but a few examples of adware we have investigated recently. Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers various "useful" functionalities. These functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.

It must be emphasized that even if an app or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did FindWebResults install on my computer?

"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to distribute adware.

Downloading from untrustworthy sources, such as freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party channels – poses a risk of bundled content infiltrating the system. This threat is further compounded by rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Adware is also endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional webpages and scam sites. Uses mainly access these pages via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified sources. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.

Fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless – therefore, we advise being careful when browsing. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – they redirect to questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, etc.).

If you keep encountering adverts/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with FindWebResults, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once FindWebResults adware's installation is over:

FindWebResults 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 FindWebResults?
• STEP 1. Remove FindWebResults related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove FindWebResults ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove FindWebResults adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove FindWebResults ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove FindWebResults adware using Combo Cleaner:

FindWebResults adware removal:

Remove FindWebResults-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 delivers advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. It can decrease browsing quality and system performance as well. Advertising-supported software is also classed as a privacy threat since it usually gathers vulnerable user data.

What does adware do?

Adware operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. The software's primary functions can include displaying third-party graphical content (adverts) on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., sites, products, services, software, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove FindWebResults adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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