GlobalEngineSearch Adware (Mac)

What is GlobalEngineSearch?

GlobalEngineSearch serves advertisements and promotes a fake search engine by changing certain browser settings. It is likely to also collect browsing-related (and other) information. This app is classified as adware and a browser hijacker.

In most cases, users download and install apps of this type inadvertently and, for this reason, GlobalEngineSearch is categorized as an unwanted application. Research shows that this app is distributed through a deceptive (fake) Adobe Flash Player installer.

GlobalEngineSearch adware

More about GlobalEngineSearch

Commonly, adware-type applications feed users with advertisements (e.g., coupons, surveys, banners, pop-up ads) that promote dubious pages. In some cases, they can cause unwanted downloads and installations by executing certain scripts.

Browser hijackers promote fake search engine addresses by changing browser settings such as the address of the homepage, default search engine and new tab. The search engines are fake, since they do not generate unique results - when used, they simply display results by other, legitimate search engines (like Google, Yahoo).

In some cases, the search engines include links to dubious web pages in their results and generate misleading results.

Typically, users can only remove the addresses of fake search engines from browser settings by removing the app that changed them. Shady apps such as GlobalEngineSearch often collect IP addresses, entered search queries, addresses of visited pages, geolocations, and other browsing data.

Some can access sensitive information as well. The developers sell the information to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) or misuse it to generate revenue in other ways.

Users with apps such as GlobalEngineSearch installed on their browsers and/or computers might become victims of identity theft, experience issues relating to online privacy and browsing safety, and other problems.

Threat Summary:
Name	Ads by GlobalEngineSearch
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
Detection Names	CRDF (Malicious), Emsisoft (Phishing), ESET (Phishing), Sophos AV (Phishing), 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 (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.

Examples of adware

More examples of apps similar to GlobalEngineSearch are SearchStudio, DiscoverResults and GlobalQuestSearch. In most cases, they are advertised as legitimate apps that supposedly include various features, improve the browsing experience, etc. In fact, they are useless and can cause serious problems.

If this software is installed on your computer and/or browser, remove it immediately.

How did GlobalEngineSearch install on my computer?

GlobalEngineSearchs can be installed through a fake Adobe Flash Player installer, which has nothing to do with the genuine Adobe product. Note that fake, unofficial installers can be designed to install malicious software. For example, Trojans, ransomware or other high-risk malware.

Commonly, rogue apps are distributed through the set-ups of other programs by including them as 'additional offers'. When users download and install programs without checking the set-ups and declining offers to download or install additionally-included apps, they inadvertently allow unwanted apps to infiltrate with their required programs.

Typically, offers to download or install additional apps can be declined in "Advanced", "Custom", "Manual" or other settings. This distribution method is called "bundling". In some cases, users inadvertently download and install unwanted apps by clicking deceptive ads that execute certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

It is not safe to use unofficial websites, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), third party downloaders, etc., to download files or programs. The same applies to third party installers. Files and programs should be downloaded only from official websites and via direct links.

Check all settings such as "Custom" and "Advanced" and decline offers to download or install additional, unwanted software. Do not click advertisements that appear on dubious pages, since they can open dubious websites or cause unwanted downloads and installations.

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

Pop-up window displayed when GlobalEngineSearch adware is present on the system:

Pop-up displayed when GlobalEngineSearch adware is detected on the system

"GlobalEngineSearchDaemon" will damage your computer.

This file was downloaded on a unknown date.

OK
Show in Finder

Files related to GlobalEngineSearch adware that need to be removed:

~/Library/Application Support/com.GlobalEngineSearch/GlobalEngineSearch
~/Library/Application Support/com.GlobalEngineSearchDaemon/GlobalEngineSearch
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.GlobalEngineSearch.plist
~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.GlobalEngineSearch.plist

IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote GlobalEngineSearch 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 GlobalEngineSearch (Step 1)

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

Remove rogue profiles designed to promote GlobalEngineSearch (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 GlobalEngineSearch?
STEP 1. Remove GlobalEngineSearch related files and folders from OSX.
STEP 2. Remove GlobalEngineSearch ads from Safari.
STEP 3. Remove GlobalEngineSearch adware from Google Chrome.
STEP 4. Remove GlobalEngineSearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.

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

GlobalEngineSearch adware removal:

Remove GlobalEngineSearch-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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

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 poses a range of problems for users, manifesting as intrusive ads, performance slowdowns, privacy infringements through unauthorized data collection, browser manipulation such as redirects and changes to settings, security risks, and constant interruptions and unwanted distractions.

What does adware do?

Adware displays unwanted advertisements. Also, it can be designed to hijack web browsers (by changing their settings) and gather various types of data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily through the display of advertisements. They often participate in affiliate programs, where they earn commissions for driving traffic, installations, or purchases of promoted products or services.

Will Combo Cleaner remove GlobalEngineSearch adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is an application that scans computers and removes adware and other unwanted and malicious software. It is worth mentioning that it can be difficult to remove unwanted software manually. Thus, it is better to rely on tools like Combo Cleaner.