Removal instructions for the SearchGlobalWords adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SearchGlobalWords?
Our researchers discovered SearchGlobalWords while checking out file submissions to the VirusTotal site. After examining this app, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. SearchGlobalWords is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns, and it may have other harmful capabilities.
SearchGlobalWords adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others.
It is pertinent to mention that adware might not work as intended due to unsuitable conditions (e.g., incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, particular sites not visited, etc.). However, even if SearchGlobalWords does not deliver advertisements – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety.
The displayed adverts may endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that while legitimate content may be encountered via these ads – it is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the product's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking abilities, but we did not observe them while analyzing SearchGlobalWords.
What is more, adware usually gathers private data, and this might be true of the SearchGlobalWords application. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like SearchGlobalWords on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SearchGlobalWords |
| 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.Adlo), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Agent.ad), 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
We have examined thousands of adware samples; GenerationKey, NetworksInteger, and UpgradeAdvice are just a couple of examples. Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and innocuous. It can also offer a broad range of "useful" and "advantageous" features, which are rarely operational.
Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SearchGlobalWords install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the "bundling" marketing method, i.e., by being packed into installation setups of ordinary programs.
The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive adverts spread advertising-supported software as well. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users access these pages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing, as fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive adverts may look ordinary and innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SearchGlobalWords, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the SearchGlobalWords adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.SearchGlobalWords/SearchGlobalWords
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.SearchGlobalWordsDaemon/SearchGlobalWords
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.SearchGlobalWords.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.SearchGlobalWordsDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps can 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 SearchGlobalWords?
- STEP 1. Remove SearchGlobalWords related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SearchGlobalWords ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SearchGlobalWords adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SearchGlobalWords ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SearchGlobalWords adware using Combo Cleaner:
SearchGlobalWords adware removal:
Remove SearchGlobalWords-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-delivered ads may promote content that causes severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, etc. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SearchGlobalWords adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your systems and eliminate all adware-type apps that are installed. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) stay hidden within the system. The remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion