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

Also Known As: Ads by FindWebResults
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

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

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, CommonRemoteBrowserProgress, 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:

Pop-up displayed once FindWebResults installation is complete

FindWebResults adware's installation folder:

FindWebResults adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove FindWebResults adware using Combo Cleaner:

FindWebResults adware removal:

Remove FindWebResults-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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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.