What is LookWebResults? Why does it load on your Mac? How to get rid of the undesired app LookWebResults and secure your macOS?
LookWebResults Mac
The program LookWebResults is classified as a potentially unwanted program that tricks Mac users into allowing its installation. This usually happens during the installation process of other freeware programs. Once started on a Mac device, LookWebResults accesses the settings of present web browsers like Safari, Chrome and Firefox and applies some significant changes without users’ knowledge.
In the event that you see LookWebResults running on your macOS, you should remove it as soon as possible. Otherwise, it could continue disrupting system security and privacy as well.
LookWebResults Summary
Name | LookWebResults / Look Web Results |
Type | Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) |
Short Description | An undesired program that starts loading on your Mac against your will. |
Symptoms | Main browser settings are affected. Lots of ads flood your preferred web browser. It becomes sluggish and sometimes unresponsive. Certain details are recorded by the program and sent to remote servers. |
Distribution Method | Software Bundling, Freeware Packages |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Combo Cleaner
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss LookWebResults. |
LookWebResults “Virus” – What is It All About?
LookWebResults is a program that has been categorized as a potentially unwanted as it is spread via shady techniques that deliver it on Mac devices without users’ knowledge. However, many users think that its strange unexpected appearance is virus related.
The installation of this app is very likely a result of an unattended process. Unattended installations of potentially undesired apps tend to happen during the installation of desired programs. This is the so-called software bundling propagation method.
There is a way to prevent this annoying issue and it requires that you read carefully all details mentioned in the installation setups of all newly downloaded apps. Especially when you download them for free.
The most important advice we could give you is to select the Advanced/Custom configuration option whenever you see it available in the installer. By doing this you could reveal the presence of bundled apps and eventually opt out their installation.
Playing the role of a potentially unwanted program (PUP), LookWebResults aims to access and alter certain browser and system settings. Applied modifications may enable it to hijack target web browsers. If this happens, you will start to see a bogus search engine on your browser homepage. Your new tabs and searches may be redirected to popular search engines like Yahoo and Bing or questionable ones like Search Baron and Search Marquis.
Typically, programs like LookWebResults flood the affected systems and browsers with coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, and other types of ads. The bad news is that these ads can sometimes be designed to open malicious websites or even be connected to scripts that cause download and installation of some unwanted/malicious software.
What’s more, is that the PUP may obtain the right to spy on your online behavior without notifying you about the process. Considering all issues caused by LookWebResults PUP, we recommend that you should remove it from your Mac as soon as possible.
Remove LookWebResults Mac Adware
In order to remove LookWebResults along with all its files, you should complete several removal steps. The guide below you presents all removal steps in their precise order. You could choose between manual and automatic removal approach. In order to fully get rid of this particular undesired program and strengthen the security of your Mac we recommend you to combine the steps. Have in mind that files associated with this PUP may be detected with names different than LookWebResults.
In case you have further questions or need additional help, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us via email.
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 LookWebResults files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as LookWebResults, 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 LookWebResults 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 LookWebResults:
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 LookWebResults. 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 LookWebResults. 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 LookWebResults 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 LookWebResults. 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 LookWebResults – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
LookWebResults-FAQ
What is LookWebResults on your Mac?
The LookWebResults 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 LookWebResults?
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 LookWebResults?
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 LookWebResults Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this LookWebResults 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 LookWebResults?
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 LookWebResults threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.