FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

How to remove AccessibleDataLookup adware

Also Known As: Ads by AccessibleDataLookup
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is AccessibleDataLookup?

AccessibleDataLookup serves advertisements and changes certain browser settings to promote a fake search engine address. It could also be capable of accessing and recording certain information. In summary, AccessibleDataLookup functions as adware and a browser hijacker.

In most cases, users download and install apps of this type inadvertently and, for this reason, they are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). AccessibleDataLookup is distributed through a deceptive installer, supposedly for Adobe Flash Player.

AccessibleDataLookup adware

Typically, AccessibleDataLookup and similar apps serve coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups and other types of advertisements. When users click these ads, they often arrive at dubious websites, or it allows the ads to execute certain scripts that cause download/installation of a PUA.

Furthermore, AccessibleDataLookup promotes a fake search engine. These bogus search engines are promoted by assigning a specific address as the homepage, default search engine and new tab, so that users are forced to visit this site when they open a browser, enter search queries into the URL bar, or open a new browser tab.

Fake search engines do not generate unique results (they provide those generated by other, often legitimate, search engines). They can also generate results that include links to untrusted websites. Note that fake search engine addresses can only be removed from browser settings when the browser hijacker (in this case, AccessibleDataLookup) is no longer installed.

Apps such as AccessibleDataLookup can also collect data such as IP addresses, geolocations, addresses of visited pages, entered search queries, and even sensitive information. The developers often misuse the details to generate revenue. For example, they could sell it to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

Users who have apps such as AccessibleDataLookup installed on their browsers and/or operating systems are therefore at potential risk of becoming victims of identity theft, experiencing problems relating to online privacy, browsing safety or other issues. Therefore, never download or install any PUAs.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by AccessibleDataLookup
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), BitDefender (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.5), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.l), 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.

To summarize, AccessibleDataLookup and similar apps generate revenue for the developers by serving ads, promoting fake search engines and gathering user-system information. They are useless for regular users and can cause serious problems. Remove all PUAs from browsers and computers immediately.

Some examples of other apps of this type are NetModuleSearch, WebFunctionSearch and AssistiveDisplaySearch.

How did AccessibleDataLookup install on my computer?

As mentioned, AccessibleDataLookup is distributed through a fake installer for Adobe Flash Player. Third party, fake installers such as this should never be used, since they often distribute and install malware. 

For example, Trojans, ransomware. People often download and install PUAs by clicking deceptive advertisements that execute certain scripts, or together with other programs (when PUAs are included into the download and/or installation set-ups). This latter distribution method is called "bundling".

Typically, offers to download or install included apps can be declined in "Custom", "Advanced" and other settings. Many users fail to check or change these settings, thereby allowing PUAs to infiltrate.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Programs and files should NOT be downloaded through unofficial pages, third party downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), or other sources of this kind. Also avoid third party, unofficial installers.

Use official pages and direct download links. Check all "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings, and decline offers to download or install additionally-included, unwanted software. Do not click ads that appear on dubious web pages, since they can cause download/installation of unwanted applications, or simply open other, potentially malicious sites.

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

Files related to AccessibleDataLookup adware that need to be removed:

  • ~/Library/Application Support/com.AccessibleDataLookup/AccessibleDataLookup
  • ~/Library/Application Support/com.AccessibleDataLookupDaemon/AccessibleDataLookup
  • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.AccessibleDataLookup.plist
  • ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.AccessibleDataLookupDaemon.plist

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

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

Remove rogue profiles designed to promote AccessibleDataLookup (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 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:

Video showing how to remove AccessibleDataLookup adware using Combo Cleaner:

AccessibleDataLookup adware removal:

Remove AccessibleDataLookup-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.

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 1Check 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 2Check 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 3Check 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 4Check 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 5Scan 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

Safari iconRemove 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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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.

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by AccessibleDataLookup QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by AccessibleDataLookup on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Mac malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner for Mac

Platform: macOS

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.