How to uninstall UltraSearchSystem adware from the operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
How to remove UltraSearchSystem adware from Mac?
What is UltraSearchSystem?
UltraSearchSystem is a piece of dubious software, categorized as adware. It also has browser hijacker traits. Hence, following successful infiltration, UltraSearchSystem runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and makes changes to browser settings - in order to promote illegitimate search engines. Most adware-types and browser hijackers have data tracking abilities, which are employed to gather browsing-related information. Since most users download/install UltraSearchSystem unintentionally, it is deemed to be a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Applications). One of the questionable methods used to distribute UltraSearchSystem is via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. Users should note that illegitimate software updaters/installers proliferate not only PUAs but trojans, ransomware and other malware as well.
Adware delivers pop-ups, banners, surveys, full-page and other intrusive adverts. They overlay webpage content and restrict browsing speed. Aside from diminishing the browsing experience, once clicked on, intrusive ads redirect to untrustworthy/malicious sites and some can even stealthily download/install software (e.g. PUAs). Browser hijackers operate by assigning the addresses of illegitimate web searchers as browsers' homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs. Hence, with a browser hijacker installed: every single web search done via the URL bar and new browser tab/window opened - redirect to the promoted address. Fake search engines are rarely able to provide search results, so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Google, Yahoo, Bing and other legitimate ones. Browser hijackers can also reset any changes users try to make to their browsers and/or limit/deny access to the browser's settings outright. Therefore, recovering a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it. Furthermore, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers) can track data. Information of interest includes: browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, geolocations and other personally identifiable details. This vulnerable data is then shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals), likewise seeking to misuse the information for profit. In summary, presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, financial losses, severe privacy issues and even identity theft. To protect device and user safety, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by UltraSearchSystem |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Ikarus (Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Adload), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adlo), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.l), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| 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. |
MultiplySearch, ValidGeneration, AssistiveFile, AdjustableProduct - are some examples of other adware-type apps. They usually appear legitimate and offer various "handy" functionalities. However, the features seldom work as promised and in most cases - they do not work at all. In fact, this is true of practically all PUAs. Unwanted software has but one goal - to generate revenue for the developers. Therefore, instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can run intrusive advertisement campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects and collect private information.
How did UltraSearchSystem install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed through download/installation setups of other software. "Bundling" is the term used to define this false marketing technique of packing regular products with unwanted or malicious additions. Rushed downloads/installations (e.g. ignored terms, skipped steps, used pre-set options, etc.) - increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system. Intrusive adverts proliferate these applications as well. Upon being clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without user permission.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is highly recommended to research software before download/installation and/or purchase. All downloads must be made from official and trustworthy sources. Since dubious download channels, e.g. unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders - commonly offer deceptive and/or bundled content. When downloading/installing, it is crucial to read terms, explore all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out from supplementary apps, tools, functions and other additions. Intrusive ads appear legitimate, however they redirect to questionable and harmful webpages (e.g. gambling, adult-dating, pornography, and so on). Should users encounter such advertisements and/or redirects, they must inspect their devices and remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins - from them without delay. If your computer is already infected with UltraSearchSystem, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the UltraSearchSystem adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.UltraSearchSystem/UltraSearchSystem
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.UltraSearchSystemDaemon/UltraSearchSystem
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.UltraSearchSystem.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.UltraSearchSystemDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote UltraSearchSystem 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 "UltraSearchSystem" 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.
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:
- What is UltraSearchSystem?
- STEP 1. Remove UltraSearchSystem related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove UltraSearchSystem ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove UltraSearchSystem adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove UltraSearchSystem ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
UltraSearchSystem adware removal:
Remove UltraSearchSystem-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 ultrasearchsystem 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 UltraSearchSystem removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by ultrasearchsystem 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 ultrasearchsystem 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 ultrasearchsystem 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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