Removing the ProvidedSearch adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is ProvidedSearch?
When we installed a fake Adobe Flash Player updater on our testing system, we found that it was bundled with the ProvidedSearch Rogue application. This app ran intrusive advertisement campaigns, and due to this behavior – it is categorized as adware. Additionally, we learned that ProvidedSearch belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
ProvidedSearch adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Apps within this category deliver intrusive ad campaigns, i.e., display advertisements on various interfaces.
The adverts endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous websites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
While legitimate products/services can be encountered through these advertisements, they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers/creators. Scammers commonly abuse affiliate programs of genuine content in order to obtain illegitimate commissions for the endorsement.
Advertising-supported software might need the browser/system specs to be compatible, specific sites to be visited, or other conditions to be suitable – to run intrusive advert campaigns. However, even if ProvidedSearch does not display ads – its presence on a system threatens device/user safety.
Furthermore, this app might have browser-hijacking functionalities since they are often part of AdLoad adware, but ProvidedSearch did not exhibit such traits during our analysis.
What is more, this rogue application likely collects private information. Data of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered information can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like ProvidedSearch on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ProvidedSearch |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.14), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.A), 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 examples
MomentTech, PrimaryServiceSearch, FractionControl, and DigitalSection are just some of our newest finds within the adware category.
This software rarely appears suspicious; it tends to look legitimate and harmless. Users are lured into download/installation with promises of various functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.
How did ProvidedSearch install on my computer?
Aside from fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers, adware can be bundled with any installation setup, including those of ordinary programs. Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements are used to distribute adware as well. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" download webpages, and it is pushed through scam websites. Users typically enter these pages via redirects caused by sites that use rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software before download/installation and/or purchase. All downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. It is just as important to approach installation with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Advanced/Custom" settings, and opting-out of supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing, as fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., pornography, adult-dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of encounters with such advertisements/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ProvidedSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the ProvidedSearch adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.ProvidedSearch/ProvidedSearch
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.ProvidedSearchDaemon/ProvidedSearch
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.ProvidedSearch.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.ProvidedSearchDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote websites 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 adware.
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 ProvidedSearch?
- STEP 1. Remove ProvidedSearch related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ProvidedSearch ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ProvidedSearch adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ProvidedSearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ProvidedSearch adware using Combo Cleaner:
ProvidedSearch adware removal:
Remove ProvidedSearch-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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is considered to be a privacy threat, as this software typically has data-tracking abilities. Adware-displayed ads promote deceptive/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited sites and/or different interfaces. Additionally, some types are capable of force-opening webpages and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, and so on. The profit can be made through commissions earned from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ProvidedSearch adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and remove all adware-type apps detected. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be the perfect solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is paramount to remove adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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