How to remove AccessibleEngineSearch adware from the operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
What is AccessibleEngineSearch?
AccessibleEngineSearch is an adware-type app with browser hijacker traits. It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns and promoting fake search engines through alterations to browser settings. Additionally, AccessibleEngineSearch likely has data tracking abilities.
Due to the questionable methods used to distribute this piece of software, it is also classified as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). This app has been observed being spread via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. It is worth noting that fraudulent updaters/installers proliferate not only PUAs but malware as well.
AccessibleEngineSearch adware in detail
Adware delivers third-party graphical content by enabling its placement in any visited website and/or different interfaces. This software can display various banners, pop-ups, coupons, surveys, and other intrusive adverts. These advertisements severely diminish the browsing experience and endanger device/user safety.
Despite their often harmless appearance, intrusive adverts endorse sale-based, untrustworthy, rogue, deceptive/scam, compromised, and even malicious websites. Furthermore, some of these ads can infiltrate software into systems (e.g., PUAs) - when they are clicked on.
Browser hijackers reassign browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs - to fake web searcher addresses. Hence, every single search query typed into the URL bar and new browser tab/window opened - redirect to the promoted address.
Illegitimate search engines typically cannot provide search results, so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other genuine ones. Browser hijackers can restrict/deny access to the browser settings and/or undo any changes users try to make to their browsers. Therefore, restoring a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it.
What is more, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) have data tracking abilities. Information of interest includes: browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses/ geolocations, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered data is then monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. To protect device integrity and user privacy, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by AccessibleEngineSearch |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.), 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. |
Adware in general
MultiplySearch, CapitalSearchCharacter, and RemoteView are a couple examples of apps within the adware classification. They appear ordinary and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation with a wide variety of "handy" functionalities, which are seldom operational.
Nearly all PUAs promise features that do not work. The only goal of unwanted software is to generate revenue for the developers; it has no genuine value to users. PUAs operate by delivering intrusive ad campaigns, hijacking browsers, causing redirects, and collecting sensitive data.
How did AccessibleEngineSearch install on my computer?
PUAs are spread via download/installation setups of other programs. This false marketing technique of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is called "bundling". Rushed download/installation processes (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive adverts are also used to proliferate PUAs. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without user permission. Some PUAs have "official" promotional sites from which they can be downloaded.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is important to research software prior to download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be done from official and verified sources. Dubious download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - commonly offer bundled content.
When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out from additional apps, tools, functions, etc. Intrusive advertisements appear legitimate; however, they redirect to various questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so on).
In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the system must be inspected and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with AccessibleEngineSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the AccessibleEngineSearch adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.AccessibleEngineSearch/AccessibleEngineSearch
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.AccessibleEngineSearchDaemon/AccessibleEngineSearch
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.AccessibleEngineSearch.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.AccessibleEngineSearchDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote the AccessibleEngineSearch 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 (Dock) and select "Profiles".
2) Locate all suspicious profiles and delete them.
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 browser hijacker.
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 AccessibleEngineSearch?
- STEP 1. Remove AccessibleEngineSearch related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AccessibleEngineSearch ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AccessibleEngineSearch adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AccessibleEngineSearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AccessibleEngineSearch adware using Combo Cleaner:
AccessibleEngineSearch adware removal:
Remove AccessibleEngineSearch-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 accessibleenginesearch 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 AccessibleEngineSearch removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by accessibleenginesearch 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 accessibleenginesearch 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 accessibleenginesearch 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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