InetWebSearch Adware (Mac)

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).

InetWebSearch adware

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.

Threat Summary:
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 (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

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 Windows 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".

Remove rogue profiles designed to promote InetWebSearch (Step 1)

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

Remove rogue profiles designed to promote InetWebSearch (Step 2)

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 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner

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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

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

Video showing how to remove InetWebSearch adware using Combo Cleaner:

InetWebSearch adware removal:

Remove InetWebSearch-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.

DOWNLOAD remover for malware infections

Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

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 1 Check 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 2 Check 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 3 Check 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

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4 Check 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 5 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.

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

Remove 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.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

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

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

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".