How to uninstall the UniversalWebResults application

What is UniversalWebResults?

UniversalWebResults (also known as UniversalWebResult) is designed to feed users with various advertisements. It also functions as a browser hijacker and changes certain browser settings to promote the address of a fake search engine. Apps of this type (adware, browser hijackers) also collect browsing data.

Research shows that UniversalWebResults is distributed by using a fake Adobe Flash Player and, therefore, people often download and install this app unintentionally. For these reasons, UniversalWebResults is also categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA).

UniversalWebResults adware overview

Generally, programs such as UniversalWebResults serve banners, surveys, pop-ups, coupons and other advertisements. When clicked, these ads can open dubious websites. They might also be designed to cause download/installation of PUAs. Note that UniversalWebResults promotes the address of a fake search engine by changing certain browser settings.

I.e., by assigning its URL as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab. These apps ensure that users are unable to visit certain address when they open a browser, new tab, or enter search queries into the URL bar. In most cases, browser hijackers do not allow people to undo the changes as long as they are installed on the system.

Therefore, users can stop browsers from opening addresses of fake search engines only by uninstalling the browser hijacker from all browsers and the operating system. UniversalWebResults (and other apps of this type) might be designed to collect browsing-related and/or other data.

These apps often target information such as users' IP addresses, geolocations, entered search queries, and addresses of visited pages. Some adware-type apps (including browser hijackers) can access and record sensitive details. Furthermore, developers often sell the data to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) to generate revenue in other ways.

These actions can lead problems relating to browsing safety, privacy and even identity theft. As mentioned, UniversalWebResults is distributed through a fake, deceptive Adobe Flash Player installer. These installers can be used to promoted adware and browser hijackers, also ransomware, Trojans and other types of malware.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by UniversalWebResults
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), AVG (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.k), Full List (VirusTotal).
Additional Information	This application belongs to the 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), 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.

Adware examples

In summary, neither deceptive installers nor apps such as UniversalWebResults can be trusted. Commonly, adware-type apps/browser hijackers are advertised as useful, legitimate software, however, they often deliver no value and can cause serious issues.

If UniversalWebResults or other adware is installed on the browser and/or computer, remove it immediately. More examples of adware include SimpleGuideSearch, CapitalCharacterSearch and SearchExplore.

How did UniversalWebResults install on my computer?

UniversalWebResults is often installed inadvertently by people on browsers and/or computers through deceptive Adobe Flash Player installers. PUAs can also infiltrate through the downloaded/installation setups of other program when the are included as additional offers.

This software distribution method is known as "bundling". It works when people download and/or install their programs without declining offers to download and install included PUAs (found in the "Advanced", "Custom" or other settings). I.e., PUAs infiltrate when users download and install their software without checking and changing the aforementioned settings.

PUAs also infiltrate when people click deceptive ads that execute certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

It is not safe to download software through untrusted channels. For example, torrent clients, eMule (or other Peer-to-Peer networks), third party downloaders, dubious, unofficial websites and so on. The same applies to installation through third party installers. Software should be downloaded via direct download links and from official, trustworthy websites.

Check all "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar options of the setups and decline any offers to download or install unwanted apps. Do not click intrusive ads displayed on dubious web pages, since these can open other untrusted, potentially malicious websites. In some cases, they can download and install unwanted apps.

Remove any unwanted, suspicious extensions, add-ons and plug-ins installed on the browser, and programs of this kind installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with UniversalWebResults, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Files related to UniversalWebResults adware that need to be removed:

• ~/Library/Application Support/com.UniversalWebResults/UniversalWebResults
• ~/Library/Application Support/com.UniversalWebResultsDaemon/UniversalWebResults
• ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.UniversalWebResults.plist
• ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.UniversalWebResults.plist

IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote UniversalWebResults adware are designed to create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:

1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar and select "Profiles".

2) Select the "UniversalWebResults" profile and delete it.

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/browser hijacker.

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

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

UniversalWebResults adware removal:

Remove UniversalWebResults-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-delivered adverts promote content that may cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware usually possesses data-tracking abilities – hence, it is deemed to be a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of ads on various interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue by endorsing sites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove UniversalWebResults adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. Following manual removal, various file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, adware software must be eliminated thoroughly.

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