Removal instructions for LookupLauncher adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is LookupLauncher?
Our researchers found the LookupLauncher rogue application during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal site. After examining LookupLauncher, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
LookupLauncher adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by running intrusive advert campaigns. This software enables the placement of various ads (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
These advertisements mainly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It must be mentioned that any legitimate content encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. Regardless of whether LookupLauncher displays adverts – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
AdLoad applications may have browser-hijacking abilities, but LookupLauncher did not exhibit any of these functionalities during testing.
Furthermore, LookupLauncher likely collects private data. Adware typically targets the following information: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like LookupLauncher on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by LookupLauncher |
| 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.Adloa), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.k), 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), 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
GrowSupport, HubComputing, and ConferenceTrader are merely a couple examples of adware we have analyzed recently. Advertising-supported software rarely looks suspect; it tends to appear legitimate and harmless.
Users are lured into downloading/installing adware by various advantageous functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be emphasized that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did LookupLauncher install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to proliferate adware. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Advertising-supported software can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Most visitors to these pages enter them via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. It is just as important to treat installation processes with caution. Therefore, we recommend reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., applications, extensions, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious apps and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with LookupLauncher, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once LookupLauncher adware's installation is over:
LookupLauncher adware's installation folder:
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
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Quick menu:
- What is LookupLauncher?
- STEP 1. Remove LookupLauncher related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LookupLauncher ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LookupLauncher adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LookupLauncher ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LookupLauncher adware using Combo Cleaner:
LookupLauncher adware removal:
Remove LookupLauncher-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 delivers ads promoting content that can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). It can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, this software is considered to be a threat to user privacy since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on various interfaces. Additionally, this software may have the ability to force-open websites and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, and similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LookupLauncher adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all the adware-type apps present. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, various file leftovers remain hidden within the system even after the adware has been manually removed. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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