How to remove LogicalSearch adware from Mac?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
How to remove LogicalSearch from Mac?
What is LogicalSearch?
LogicalSearch is endorsed as an application for enhancing the browsing experience. It is supposedly capable of providing fast searches, improved search results and similar. However, it acts as adware. In other words, this app runs intrusive advertisement campaigns - delivers invasive, undesirable and even harmful ads. It is not uncommon for adware-types to have data tracking abilities, which they use to monitor and gather browsing-related information. Due to LogicalSearch questionable proliferation methods, it is classified as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application) as well.
Adware displays a wide variety of intrusive adverts; for example, banners, pop-ups, surveys and coupons - to name a few. Advertisements of this kind seriously diminish browsing quality, they limit browsing speed and website visibility (by overlaying page content). However, they are also considered to be a threat to browser/system health and user safety. Clicking on such ads redirects users to sale-based, untrustworthy, compromised, deceptive/scam and malicious sites. Some of these advertisements can even execute scripts, designed to download/install unwanted or malicious content, without user permission. PUAs are a prime example of content, which can infiltrate devices via intrusive adverts. Aside from delivering ad campaigns, they can generate redirects to likewise hazardous webpages. Some unwanted apps can make unauthorized changes to browsers and limit/deny access to their settings (i.e. hijack browsers). Most PUAs can track data, this ability is not exclusive to adware. They record browsing habits (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect users' personal information (IP addresses, geolocations and real-life personal details). This vulnerable data can then be shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals), seeking to misuse it for financial gain. In summary, PUAs can cause various browser and system infiltrations/infections, as well as lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses and even identity theft. If LogicalSearch is already installed, it is recommended to uninstall it without delay. To ensure device and user safety - all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.
Name | Ads by LogicalSearch |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
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. |
Removal |
To eliminate Ads by LogicalSearch our malware researchers recommend scanning your computer with Combo Cleaner. |
NeedWebSearch, ProductTask, ProdigySearch are a few examples of adware similar to LogicalSearch. In general, all PUAs share certain common traits. They appear legitimate and lure users into installation by offering a wide array of "useful" and "beneficial" features. Rarely do these functions work as promised and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational. The only purpose of PUAs is to generate revenue for their developers; to users they have no genuine worth. Instead of operating as advertised, unwanted applications deliver intrusive ad campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers and track private data.
How did LogicalSearch install on my computer?
The most common way that PUAs proliferate is via download/install setups of other products. This deceptive marketing method of packing ordinary software with unwanted or malicious content is called "bundling". Rushed download/installation processes (e.g. ignored terms, skipped steps and sections, used pre-set options, etc.) - increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled applications onto devices. Select PUAs also have "official" download pages. As mentioned, when clicked, intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install such apps.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is advised to always research wanted content, before downloading/installing it. Only official and verified download channels should be used. Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BtTorrent, Gnutella, eMule, etc.), unofficial and free file-hosting websites, third party downloaders and similar sources are deemed to be untrustworthy. When downloading/installing, users should read terms, explore all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out from supplementary apps, tools, functions, etc. Intrusive ads rarely look suspicious, most appear legitimate and harmless. However, they redirect to questionable and unreliable webpages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating and others). Should users encounter advertisements/redirects of this type, it is highly recommended to inspect the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and/or browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with LogicalSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once LogicalSearch installation is over:
Installation folder of LogicalSearch adware:
Instant automatic removal of Ads by LogicalSearch:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Ads by LogicalSearch. 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. Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Combo Cleaner.
Quick menu:
- What is LogicalSearch?
- STEP 1. Remove LogicalSearch related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LogicalSearch ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LogicalSearch adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LogicalSearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LogicalSearch adware using Combo Cleaner:
LogicalSearch adware removal:
Remove LogicalSearch-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 ads by logicalsearch 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 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 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 in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure 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 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 it's virus definition database and click "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.
Ads by LogicalSearch removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by logicalsearch related Safari extensions:
Open 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 normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove ads by logicalsearch related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the "Open Menu" (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose "Add-ons".
Choose the "Extensions" tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Remove" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove ads by logicalsearch related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose "More Tools" and select "Extensions".
In the "Extensions" window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Trash" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.