AresSearch Virus (Mac malware): Removal guide, MacOS cleanup

“AresSearch” is an adware (Mac virus). It is a type of malicious software that infiltrates Mac computers and displays intrusive advertisements. Unlike legitimate ads, those generated by this adware often promote online scams, unreliable or harmful software, and in some cases, even malware. The primary goal of this adware is to generate revenue for its creators through pay-per-click schemes and affiliate marketing.

AresSearch adware in detail

AresSearch Adware is a type of adware commonly found on macOS systems. It belongs to the AdLoad family of adware applications, which are notorious for their browser-hijacking functionalities and intrusive behavior. This adware operates by inundating users with unwanted and potentially malicious advertisements, redirecting web searches, and altering browser settings. Additionally, it can serve as a backdoor, potentially opening up security vulnerabilities on the affected system. One of the concerning aspects of adware, including AresSearch, is its ability to track user data, which poses a serious threat to user privacy.

📢 Unwanted Advertisements

The primary function of this adware is to bombard users with unwanted and often deceptive advertisements. These ads can appear in various forms, including pop-ups, banners, and in-text ads, making for a disruptive browsing experience.

🔍 Conditional Ad Display

Interestingly, AresSearch’s ad display behavior is conditional. It may not activate its ad campaigns if the browser or system environment is incompatible, the user’s geographical location doesn’t match certain criteria, or if specific websites are not accessed.

⚠️ Risks Even Without Ads

The threat of AresSearch extends beyond just displaying ads. Its mere presence on a system poses significant risks, compromising device security and user safety, even if no ads are displayed.

🚨 Promotion of Scams and Malware

Ads shown by AresSearch often promote dubious content, including online scams, unreliable or harmful software, and malware. These ads can be particularly dangerous as clicking them may trigger unauthorized downloads or stealth installations of harmful programs.

🔗 Lack of Legitimate Endorsements

It’s worth noting that while you might occasionally come across legitimate content in these ads, such content is rarely, if ever, endorsed by official sources. The promotion is likely done by scammers exploiting affiliate programs for illicit gains.

🌐 Browser Hijacking

AresSearch is notorious for hijacking web browsers. It can change the default search engine, homepage, and new tab settings without the user’s consent. This unauthorized alteration of browser settings is a common hallmark of adware.

🔄 Search Redirection

The adware can manipulate web browser settings to redirect the user’s search queries. This redirection typically leads to potentially malicious websites, phishing pages, or other unwanted online destinations. Users may find it difficult to perform legitimate online searches.

🔗 Diverse Redirect Chains

The redirect chains caused by AresSearch can lead to various websites. This unpredictability adds to the intrusive nature of the adware, as users cannot anticipate what kind of content or site they might be forced to visit.

👁️‍🗨️ Data-Tracking

Adware often possesses data-tracking capabilities. It can monitor users’ online activities, including the websites they visit, search queries, and even personal information. This data can be used for targeted advertising or, in some cases, more malicious purposes.

🔓 Backdoor Functionality

Some adware, including AresSearch, can act as a backdoor to the affected system. This means it may introduce security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors.

💻 Mac System Warning

Mac systems can identify the presence of malicious apps and typically warn the user with a message that suggests moving the application to the trash. This serves as a crucial alert for users to take immediate action to protect their system.

Text presented in this alert:

“AresSearch” will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
‘Move to Trash’ ‘Cancel’

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🛡️ Overall, the presence of AresSearch on any device is a significant concern. Users should take immediate steps to remove this adware to protect their systems from potential harm and maintain privacy and security.

AresSearch: Methods of Infection and Spread

AresSearch can infect a computer in various ways. One of the most common methods is through software bundling. AresSearch is included as an optional component alongside legitimate software installation. If the user fails to deselect AresSearch during the installation process, it will be installed on their system along with the desired software.

Another way AresSearch can infect a computer is through malicious advertising, where attackers use ad networks to distribute malicious ads that, when clicked on, download and install AresSearch onto the victim’s computer. These ads can be found on various websites, including those that are normally considered safe and trustworthy.

Examples of scam pages that are designed to trick users into installing malicious software:

In some cases, AresSearch can also be spread through spam email campaigns, where the email contains a link to a website that downloads and installs the adware when clicked on. This type of attack is less common, but it still poses a risk to unsuspecting users who may click on the link without realizing the potential consequences.

In conclusion, users must be cautious when downloading and installing software and clicking on links or ads from unknown sources. Regularly running anti-virus software and keeping it up-to-date can help prevent AresSearch and other forms of malware from infecting your system.

Threat Summary

Name	AresSearch, “AresSearch adware”, “AresSearch virus”, “AresSearch Mac malware”
Type	Adware
Detection names	AdWare:MacOS/AdLoad.c03eaa89, Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.5, MacOS:MaxOfferDeal-FL [Adw], ADWARE/GM.MaxOffe.JN, Adware.ADWARE/GM.MaxOffe.JN, Mac.Trojan.AdLoad.2, A Variant Of OSX/Adware.AdLoad.BM, AdWare.OSX.AdLoad, Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.AdLoad.ac
Symptoms	Pop-up ads, browser redirects, slow computer performance
Damage	System infections, privacy issues, financial losses, identity theft
Prevention	Use ad-blockers, exercise caution when downloading software, avoid clicking on suspicious links and ads, keep browser and operating system up-to-date
Distribution	Software bundling, deceptive ads, fake software updates
Removal	Use reputable antivirus software, scan downloads before installation, keep software up-to-date

Malware examples

On the Internet, users can come across many malicious programs that perform various malicious actions. Among them there are such as Communique adware, HackTool:Win32/Keygen malware, WhiskerSpy Backdoor Malware, Altruistics Virus, Your File Is Ready To Download.iso virus, although, of course, there are many more.

Some of the malware designed to collect user data, others install ransomware and trojans on computers, and still others add infected computers to botnets, and so on. In any case, each malicious program (adware, browser hijacker, trojan, worm, …) is a huge threat to both user privacy and computer security. Therefore, malicious programs must be removed immediately after detection; using an infected computer is very dangerous.

How to remove AresSearch from Mac (Virus removal guide)

Removing AresSearch from your Mac is important to ensure that your system is not vulnerable to further infections, and your privacy is not compromised. To remove AresSearch, you can follow these steps: First, uninstall AresSearch associated software. Then, remove any AresSearch related files and reset your browser settings to their default. It is also recommended to scan your system with a reliable anti-malware software to ensure that no traces of the adware remain. Finally, take preventive measures such as being cautious of downloading unfamiliar software and keeping your system and security software up to date to prevent future infections.

To remove AresSearch, follow the steps below:

1. Remove profiles created by AresSearch
2. Uninstall AresSearch associated software by using the Finder
3. Remove AresSearch related files and folders
4. Scan your Mac with MalwareBytes
5. Remove AresSearch from Safari, Chrome, Firefox
6. How to stay safe online

Remove profiles created by AresSearch

AresSearch can install a configuration profile on the Mac system to block changes made to the browser settings. Therefore, you need to open system preferences, find and delete the profile installed by the adware.

Click the System Preferences icon ( ) in the Dock, or choose Apple menu ( ) > System Preferences.

In System Preferences, click Profiles, then select a profile associated with AresSearch.

Click the minus button ( – ) located at the bottom-left of the Profiles screen to remove the profile.
Note: if you do not see Profiles in the System Preferences, that means there are no profiles installed on your Mac, which is normal.

Uninstall AresSearch associated software by using the Finder

In order to get rid of adware, PUPs and browser hijackers, open the Finder and click on “Applications”. Check the list of installed applications. For the ones you do not know, run an Internet search to see if they are PUPs, browser hijackers and adware. If yes, remove them off. Even if they are just a programs which you do not use, then removing them off will increase your MAC start up time and speed dramatically.

Open Finder and click “Applications”.

Carefully browse through the list of installed apps and remove all dubious and unknown software.

Once you’ve found anything dubious that may be the AresSearch or other potentially unwanted program, then right click this program and select “Move to Trash”. Once complete, Empty Trash.

Remove AresSearch related files and folders

Now you need to try to find AresSearch related files and folders, and then delete them manually. You need to look for these files in certain directories. To quickly open them, we recommend using the “Go to Folder…” command.

AresSearch creates several files, these files must be found and removed. Below is a list of files associated with this unwanted application.

• /Library/LaunchAgents/com.repressionist.plist
• /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.(RANDOM).plist

Some files created by AresSearch are hidden from the user. To find and delete them, you need to enable “show hidden files”. To do this, use the shortcut CMD + SHIFT + . Press once to show hidden files and again to hide them. There is another way. Click Finder -> Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal. In Terminal, paste the following text: defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles YES

Press Enter. Hold the ‘Option/alt’ key, then right click on the Finder icon in the dock and click Relaunch.

Click on the Finder icon. From the menu bar, select Go and click “Go to Folder…”. As a result, a small window opens that allows you to quickly open a specific directory.

Check for AresSearch generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
/Library/LaunchAgents

This will open the contents of the “/Library/LaunchAgents” folder. Look carefully at it and pay special attention to recently created files, as well as files that have a suspicious name. Move all suspicious files to the Trash. A few examples of files: com.identification.plist, com.Sorbonical.plist, com.myzostomatous.plist, com.described.plist, com.prepared.plist, com.taskmond.plist, com.memberd.plist, com.funcd.plist, mega.mac.megaupdater.plist, com.interungular.plist, com.jirin.plist, com.rp2.plist, com.firmly.qz.plist, com.repick.plist, com.repressionist.plist, com.Hatchway.plist, com.centinol.plist, com.chunago.plist. Most often, adware software, potentially unwanted programs and browser hijackers create several files with similar names.

Check for AresSearch generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
/Library/Application Support

This will open the contents of the “Application Support” folder. Look carefully at its contents, pay special attention to recently added/changed folders and files. Check the contents of suspicious folders, if there is a file with a name similar to com.waste.system, then this folder must be deleted. Move all suspicious folders and files to the Trash.

Check for AresSearch generated files in the “~/Library/LaunchAgents” folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
~/Library/LaunchAgents

Proceed in the same way as with the “/Library/LaunchAgents” and “/Library/Application Support” folders. Look for suspicious and recently added files. Move all suspicious files to the Trash.

Check for AresSearch generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Carefully browse the entire list of files and pay special attention to recently created files, as well as files that have a suspicious name. Move all suspicious files to the Trash. A few examples of files to be deleted: com.slotting.plist, com.dwlxT.plist, com.apple.efiao.plist, com.afdhjufdghjk.plist. In most cases, adware software, potentially unwanted programs and browser hijackers create several files with similar names.

Scan your Mac with MalwareBytes

You can delete AresSearch associated files automatically with a help of MalwareBytes. We recommend this free malware removal tool because it can easily remove potentially unwanted programs, adware, browser hijackers and toolbars with all their components such as files, folders and system entries.

Download MalwareBytes AntiMalware on your machine from the link below.

When the download is done, run it and follow the prompts. Click the “Scan” button . MalwareBytes Anti-Malware program will scan through the whole computer for the AresSearch adware. Review the report and then click the “Quarantine” button.

The MalwareBytes is a free program that you can use to delete all detected folders, files, malicious services and so on.

Remove AresSearch from Safari, Chrome, Firefox

Remove unwanted extensions is a simple method to delete AresSearch adware and return web browser’s settings which have been replaced by adware.

Google Chrome	Mozilla Firefox
Click on ‘three dots menu’ button at the top right corner of the Chrome window. In the menu go to ‘More tools’, then ‘Extensions’. Click ‘Remove’ to uninstall an extension. Click ‘Remove’ in the dialog box. You can also try to delete AresSearch adware by reset Chrome settings.	Click on ‘menu’ button and select ‘Add-ons’. Go to ‘Extensions’ tab. To uninstall an add-on, click on ‘Remove’ button next to it. If you are still experiencing problems with AresSearch adware removal, you need to reset Firefox browser.
Safari
On the top menu select ‘Safari’, then ‘Preferences’. Select ‘Extensions’ tab. Select an extension you want to delete and click ‘Uninstall’ button next to it.

How to stay safe online

In order to increase your security and protect your MAC system against new intrusive ads and malicious websites, you need to run ad blocking program that blocks an access to malicious ads and websites. Moreover, the program can block the open of intrusive advertising, which also leads to faster loading of web-pages and reduce the consumption of web traffic.

Installing the AdGuard is simple. First you will need to download AdGuard on your Apple Mac by clicking on the link below.

When downloading is finished, launch the downloaded file. You will see the “Setup Wizard” screen. Follow the prompts.

Each time, when you start your Mac, AdGuard will start automatically and stop unwanted popup ads, block harmful and misleading websites.

Tips to Prevent Infection

Here are some steps you can take to prevent infection from AresSearch:

• Only download software from official sources or trusted third-party websites. Avoid downloading from peer-to-peer (P2P) networks or free file hosting websites.
• Keep your operating system and software up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. These updates often include security fixes that can prevent malware infections.
• Be cautious of suspicious emails or attachments. Hackers often use social engineering tactics to trick users into downloading malware. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown senders.
• Use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, and consider using a password manager to help you generate and store strong passwords.
• Use a reputable ad blocker. Ad blockers allow you to browse sites without ads, thus eliminating the possibility of clicking on something malicious and preventing it from being downloaded to the machine.
• Pay for premium versions of popular services. The easiest way to avoid adware is to pay for the service you use. Many Internet services make it possible to use them without ads if you purchase a premium subscription. This helps ensure that malicious adware cannot reach you.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of infection from AresSearch and other types of malware.