How to uninstall the InetWebSearch unwanted app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
How to remove InetWebSearch from Mac computers
What is InetWebSearch?
InetWebSearch displays advertisements and changes certain browser settings (to promote a fake search engine). Therefore, this app is classified as adware and a browser hijacker. These apps often collect browsing-related (and other data), and this is likely to be the case with InetWebSearch. People often download and install these rogue apps inadvertently - this particular type is installed via a deceptive Adobe Flash Player installer. Apps that people download and install unintentionally are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
After installation, InetWebSearch starts to display various ads. In most cases, adware-type apps feed users with coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups and others. When clicked, these tend to open dubious websites. Some advertisements can be designed to download and/or install unwanted software by running certain scripts. InetWebSearch promotes the address of a fake search engine. Typically, PUAs promote these search engines by modifying browser settings such as the address of the default search engine, homepage, and new tab (they assign them to the address of a fake search engine). The changes can be undone only when the app that made them is no longer installed. In this case, InetWebSearch must be uninstalled. Apps that hijack browsers reassign settings after each attempt is made to modify them. Additionally, InetWebSearch and similar apps often gather data. Commonly, they target browsing-related information (users' IP addresses, geolocations, entered search queries, addresses of opened/visited websites, etc.). Installed adware/browser hijackers might also record private, sensitive details. The developers sell the information to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) or misuse it in other ways to generate revenue. This can lead to problems relating to browsing safety, online privacy, and other issues such as identity theft.
| Name | Ads by InetWebSearch |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus. |
| 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), 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. |
InetWebSearch is virtually identical to SearchLetters, Tituricsec, MacAppsHD and numerous other apps. They serve ads, change browser settings, and collect various user-system information. Users often install InetWebSearch when they use a deceptive Adobe Flash Player installer. These installers can also infiltrate ransomware, Trojan-type programs, and other types of malware.
How did InetWebSearch install on my computer?
Commonly, unwanted, potentially malicious apps are distributed through fake, deceptive installers and through the set-ups of other programs and deceptive ads. PUAs are often included into the set-ups as 'additional offers', which can be found in "Advanced" or "Custom" settings. Many users download and install their software without changing these settings, thereby allowing additionally-included apps to infiltrate. This method to distribute PUAs is called "bundling". Downloads and installations through deceptive ads happen when they are clicked and then go on to execute certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Do not download programs or files from unofficial websites, through third party downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule, or other similar channels. Also avoid third party installers. Use official web pages and direct download links. Check all set-ups for "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings, and decline any offers to download or install additionally-included apps. Do not click intrusive advertisements that appear on dubious web pages, since they can open potentially malicious web pages or even cause unwanted installations. Remove any suspicious/unwanted extensions, plug-ins or add-ons installed on the browser, and programs of this type installed on the computer. If your computer is already infected with InetWebSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to InetWebSearch adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.InetWebSearch/InetWebSearch
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.InetWebSearchDaemon/InetWebSearch
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.InetWebSearch.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.InetWebSearchDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote InetWebSearch 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 "InetWebSearch" 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 computer 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 three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
InetWebSearch adware removal:
Remove InetWebSearch-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 inetwebsearch 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 InetWebSearch removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by inetwebsearch 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 inetwebsearch 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 inetwebsearch 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.
Outstanding!
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