What Is AresLookup?
AresLookup is a questionable application that is developed to affect Mac computers in order to generate revenue for its owners. The program belongs to the adware type of apps as its presence on an affected system is associated with the appearance of lots of annoying ads. However, it may also be designed to act like a browser hijacker that adjusts main browser preferences to push a hoax search engine. As a typical potentially unwanted program, AresLookup gets installed on the system without users’ knowledge. As long as this undesired program has access to your Mac and preferred web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.) it is likely to be able to spy on your online activities and inundate the browser with intrusive online ads.
Threat Summary
| Name | AresLookup adware |
| Type | Adware, Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | A deceptive program that creates new profiles on your Mac and affects installed browsers without your knowledge and permission. |
| Symptoms | Main browser preferences are altered without your knowledge. Increased number of online ads cause significant browser slowdowns. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Fake Flash Player Updates |
| Detection Tool |
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AresLookup Adware – What Does It Do?
Security researchers define AresLookup Mac app as an adware. Adware is a type of program that affects specific system settings in order to gain access to some browser settings, alter them and become able to start delivering intrusive ads. The main purpose of AresLookup adware is to generate revenue for its developers. Hence, it may be delivering ads of all types, regardless of the security and the trustiness of the related websites.
So you should know that these ads pose a serious risk to your macOS security. Many cybercriminals inject their malicious code into online web pages and then set the pages to trigger an unnoticed download process the moment someone opens them on a web browser. So in the event that you happen to click an ad delivered by AresLookup and open such a compromised page in your browser, you could let a severe malware such as Trojan or ransomware run on your Mac.
The adware which may also act like a browser hijacker tends to affect popular web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera and Safari. As a browser hijacker, AresLookup may alter some main browser settings preferences like those of the homepage, new tab page and default search engine. If this issue occurs, your browsing may be redirected to hoax search enignes or legitimate ones used by PUPs including Bing and Yahoo.
It is very likely that your affected browser will be flooded with numerous online ads as well. Since these ads could appear on every web page you visit, your browser may become slower than usual. Beware that the undesired program may be also configured to drop and install different tracking technologies to spy on your online behavior. It is typical for apps of this kind to collect data in order to enable their developers to set more accurately their shady advertising campaigns. The worst-case scenario is that they will release data records on dark web markets for additional money revenue.
Ares Lookup Mac App – How Did I Get It?
Typically, the spread of PUPs like Ares Lookup is realized via software bundles. Unfortunately, there are many free apps that feature potentially undesired extras in their installers. The tricky part is that you could easily miss noticing added extras as the installers are often designed to hide them in the Advanced/Custom configuration option. So a way to prevent your Mac from being affected by adware like Ares Lookup is practicing caution while installing new apps. Always read carefully all details in their installers and opt-out of the installation of any present unwanted additional apps.
Is AresLookup Dangerous?
AresLookup can be considered a dangerous program due to its persistent nature and the issues it can cause on a Mac. It is known to install a persistence agent in the Library LaunchAgents folder, making it difficult to remove completely. As such, a specific technical approach is required to completely eliminate the adware from the machine.
How to Protect My Mac from AresLookup?
As annoying a PUP or adware can be, its installation can be avoided easily by building user vigilance. Here are a few easy steps you can take to avoid installing PUPs and becoming a victim of unwanted programs such as AresLookup:
- Don’t download programs from Internet ads, pop-ups, torrent trackers, file sharing sites and other unreliable sources.
- Opt-out of the setting hidden in the “Custom” or “Advanced” sections when you’re installing a program. You can deselect most PUPs from there.
- Avoid installing programs you don’t need.
- Keep an eye out for any excessive or unusual Internet advertising. These ads can be brought on by PUPs and adware attached to your browser.
- Read the terms and conditions of use when you install any programs.
- Check your installed software regularly and uninstall any applications you do not want or need.
- Install an anti-malware program that also has the ability to detect and remove potentially unwanted programs.
How to Remove AresLookup Adware
In order to remove AresLookup adware along with all associated files, you should complete several removal steps. The guide below presents all the steps required for the removal of infections like AresLookup in an accurate order. If you want to make sure that no undesired and potentially harmful files are running on your system, we recommend that you combine manual and automatic steps. Have in mind that some of the installed files associated with AresLookup adware may have completely different names in order to remain hardly noticeable.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us at our email.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Steps to Prepare Before Removal:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove AresLookup adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as AresLookup adware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Step 2: Uninstall AresLookup adware and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to AresLookup adware:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to AresLookup adware. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to AresLookup adware. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove AresLookup adware via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as AresLookup adware. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3: Remove AresLookup adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
AresLookup adware-FAQ
What is AresLookup adware on your Mac?
The AresLookup adware threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down significantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
Can Macs Get Viruses?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that almost all of the Apple devices can become infected with a threat.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the types of threats that can currently infect your Mac can be rogue antivirus programs, adware or hijackers (PUPs), Trojan horses, ransomware and crypto-miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like AresLookup adware?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.
There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to Secure My Data from AresLookup adware?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the AresLookup adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this AresLookup adware how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on AresLookup adware?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the AresLookup adware threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.