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Instructions to eliminate GlobalTechSearch adware

Also Known As: GlobalTechSearch potentially unwanted application
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is GlobalTechSearch?

Identical to Resourcetools and SimpleProExtension, GlobalTechSearch is a rogue application that claims to enhance the browsing experience, however, this app causes a redirect to a third party website when users enter a search query (search query -> third party URL -> Google search engine).

Additionally, adware-type applications such as GlobalTechSearch often gather information relating to browsing activity and deliver intrusive advertisements. Note that adware-type applications usually infiltrate computers without users' consent.

GlobalTechSearch adware

As mentioned above, GlobalTechSearch redirects users to a specific website (before redirecting to the Google search engine) when a search query is entered.

This is usually to generate traffic or gather search queries. Other applications from this adware family are known to promote the Yahoo and Bing web search engines, however, none of these legitimate search engines have anything to do with this adware.

Adware-type applications commonly tracking personal information such as IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, geolocations, etc. The information usually includes personal details that adware developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue.

Therefore, data tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Additionally, adware-type applications often deliver coupons, banners, pop-ups, and other similar intrusive advertisements, which typically redirect to potentially malicious websites and can even run scripts that download/install other rogue apps. Therefore, clicking them can lead to system infections.

Note that intrusive ads are delivered using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, they often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience. In summary, GlobalTechSearch poses a threat to your privacy and computer safety and should be eliminated immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name GlobalTechSearch potentially unwanted application
Threat Type Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names (GlobalTechSearch.app.zip) Full List (VirusTotal)
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), fake flash player installers, 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.

The internet is full of adware-type applications that share many similarities. By offering many "useful features", adware-type apps attempt to give the impression of legitimacy and trick users to install, however, their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers.

Rather than giving any real value for regular users, these applications cause unwanted redirects, gather information, and deliver advertisements.

How did GlobalTechSearch install on my computer?

These apps are usually proliferated using intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of third party applications with regular software). Developers hide "bundled" applications behind "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes.

They do this since they are aware that many users rush these procedures, skip steps, and are likely to click advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. This behavior often leads to inadvertent installation of third party programs.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. The key to safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and downloading and installing software. Carefully analyze each step of the download/installation processes using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings.

Opt-out of additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them. Download apps from official sources only (preferably, via direct download links) and avoid using third party downloaders/installers, since criminals often monetize them using the "bundling" method.

Note that intrusive ads usually seem legitimate, since developers invest many resources into their design, however, they often redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other similar sites. If you encounter these ads/redirects, remove all suspicious applications/browser plug-ins immediately.

If your computer is already infected with GlobalTechSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once GlobalTechSearch installation is over:

pop-up displayed once GlobalTechSearch installation is done

GlobalTechSearch adware executable and files:

GlobalTechSearch adware files

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 GlobalTechSearch adware using Combo Cleaner:

GlobalTechSearch adware removal:

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

mac browser hijacker removal from 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

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.

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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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Removal Instructions in other languages
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

QR Code
GlobalTechSearch potentially unwanted application QR code
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