How to uninstall the PublicToolboxLookup adware?

What is PublicToolboxLookup?

PublicToolboxLookup is a type of potentially unwanted application (PUA) that generates advertisements. Also, this app promotes a fake search engine by making changes in browser settings.

Therefore, PublicToolboxLookup is an adware-type that has functionality of a browser hijacker. It is common that apps of this type can access and collect various information as well.

Usually, users download and install adware, browser hijackers unknowingly because they are distributed using deceptive techniques. It is known that this particular app is distributed using a fake Adobe Flash Player installer.

It is common that applications like PublicToolboxLookup generate advertisements (coupons, banners, surveys, pop-up ads, etc.) used to promote untrustworthy websites. For example, pages designed to trick visitors into providing personal information, installing unwanted software (or even paying for it), and so on.

In some cases, adware-type apps can display ads designed to run certain scripts and cause download or even installation of unwanted software. For these reasons, it is strongly advisable not to click ads generated by apps like PublicToolboxLookup.

Furthermore, PublicToolboxLookup changes browser settings to promote a fake search engine (its address). As a rule, apps that function as browser hijackers change settings such as the address of a default search engine, homepage, and new tab.

Their main goal is to push users to use a fake search engine to browse the web. Usually, fake search engines show results generated by Yahoo, Google, or other legitimate search engines.

However, many fake search engines generate misleading results or show results generated by untrustworthy search engines. Either way, it is strongly recommended not to use fake search engines.

It is noteworthy that users of hijacked browsers can remove an unwanted address (fake search engine) from the settings of those browsers only when a browser hijacker is no longer installed.

One more important detail about apps like PublicToolboxLookup is that they can be designed to collect information that could be used for marketing purposes, sold to third parties (potentially cybercriminals), to steal identities, accounts, make unauthorized transactions, purchases, etc.

It is more common that PUAs collect details IP addresses, addresses of visited websites, entered search queries, geolocations, and other browsing data. Although, some of those apps can access credit card details, passwords, telephone numbers, and other sensitive information.

If PublicToolboxLookup or a similar app is installed on a browser or the operating system, then it should be uninstalled immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by PublicToolboxLookup
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. ▼ 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.

There are many applications like PublicToolboxLookup. A couple of them are OriginalUnitValue, MainBoardSearch, and OriginalTechSearch. As a rule, adware-type apps are designed to serve advertisements.

However, they can be designed to collect information and promote questionable addresses as well. As mentioned in the previous paragraphs, apps of this type can be the reason behind various problems.

It is noteworthy that they can be advertised as useful and legitimate. In one way or another, adware (and browser hijackers) should never be downloaded and installed.

How did PublicToolboxLookup install on my computer?

Research shows that the installer for PublicToolboxLookup is designed to look like the installer for Adobe Flash Player. Typically, fake installers are promoted on untrustworthy, deceptive websites.

It is important to know that such installers can be used to distribute malicious software (e.g., ransomware, trojan). Another popular method to distribute potentially unwanted applications is to bundle them with other (mainly free) programs - to include PUAs in downloaders or installers for other programs as extra offers.

Typically, users can decline offers to download or install bundled apps through "Advanced", "Custom" or other settings (or by unticking ticked checkboxes). Users who finish downloads and installations without changing those settings allow for bundled applications to be downloaded and installed too.

In some cases, users download or install PUAs through deceptive advertisements - by clicking ads designed to run certain scripts after.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Applications, files downloaded from unofficial pages, via third-party downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks like torrent clients, eMule, and other sources of this kind should not be opened. It is common that those sources are used to distribute unwanted, potentially malicious software.

It is recommended to use only official pages and direct links. Furthermore, downloaders and installers with settings like "Custom", "Advanced" (or ticked checkboxes) should be looked over. It is common that those downloaders, installers are used to distribute potentially unwanted applications.

Advertisements on untrustworthy websites (e.g., on pages related to pornography, gambling, adult dating) should not be trusted. Quite often, those ads are designed to promote various untrustworthy, potentially malicious websites. In some cases, they are designed to download or even install PUAs.

Unwanted, suspicious apps (extensions, plug-ins, or add-ons) installed on a web browser and programs of this kind installed on the operating system should be removed. If your computer is already infected with PublicToolboxLookup, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Files related to PublicToolboxLookup adware that need to be removed:

• ~/Library/Application Support/com.PublicToolboxLookup/PublicToolboxLookup
• ~/Library/Application Support/com.PublicToolboxLookupDaemon/PublicToolboxLookup
• ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.PublicToolboxLookup.plist
• ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.PublicToolboxLookupDaemon.plist

IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote the PublicToolboxLookup website 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 "PublicToolboxLookup" 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 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:

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

Video showing how to remove PublicToolboxLookup adware using Combo Cleaner:

PublicToolboxLookup adware removal:

Remove PublicToolboxLookup-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 adware-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 exact 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 exact 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 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.

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.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Remove malicious Safari extensions:

Open the 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 regular browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

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".

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

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

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".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

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