What Is ApolloSearch Mac Adware?
What is ApolloSearch? It is an adware program from the AdLoad family that has been created to invade Mac operating systems and deliver ads to affected users. Its sole purpose is to generate revenue for its developers.
The adware applies specific changes that affect the settings of both Mac systems and browsers installed on them. The installation of such apps happens without any notifications. This is one of the main reasons why ApolloSearch is also categorized as a potentially unwanted program.
As recommended by security experts, ApolloSearch should be removed from an affected Mac as soon as it is noticed.
ApolloSearch Summary
| Name | ApolloSearch also known as Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.7, MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj], Malware.OSX/Dldr.Adload.jjaef |
| Type | PUP, Adware, Browser Hijacker |
| Short Description | A questionable application that hijacks Mac systems and popular browsers installed on them including Safari, Chrome and Firefox. The program performs browser modifications without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. The program may load every time you start the affected Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Websites, Fake Software Updates |
| Removal Tool |
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More Details About ApolloSearch for Mac
ApolloSearch is a program for Mac that seems like a regular app but is adware instead. Unlike reliable apps, ApolloSearch does not feature any useful functionalities. All this program can do is lower system security and expose your online privacy.
The program is designed to alter specific settings without users’ knowledge. PUPs like ApolloSearch are lurking across the web by hiding their install files in software packages, appearing as corrupted software installers and others.
It is not a malicious Mac virus but is still an app you should better remove from your Mac. As long as this adware is running on your macOS, it makes it more vulnerable to different malware infections.
The adware may start delivering annoying ads in an attempt to generate revenue to its owners. However, the ads delivered by the adware may link to bogus sites that host suspicious or even dangerous programs/files.
Let us remind you that sometimes deceptive websites are used for the spread of serious malware infections like ransomware.
Even though ApolloSearch is adware is not a malicious program, we recommend its immediate removal from the affected Mac and browser.
What Does It Do?
Once started on a Mac, it may install an unwanted browser extension as well. This extension may hijack the browser and force it to present you with a hoax search engine that mimics a legitimate-like one (Bing or Yahoo).
Using the searching services of those engines may trick you open untrustworthy websites in your browser. This action may endanger the overall system security.
How to Remove ApolloSearch from Mac
In order to remove ApolloSearch along with all entries it creates on the system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents manual and automatic removal approaches. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. Some of the files associated with the adware cannot be removed manually except you are an experienced computer user. So the manual adware removal might be quite a complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment.
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 ApolloSearch files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ApolloSearch, 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 ApolloSearch 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 ApolloSearch:
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 ApolloSearch. 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 ApolloSearch. 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 ApolloSearch 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 ApolloSearch. 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 ApolloSearch – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
ApolloSearch-FAQ
What is ApolloSearch on your Mac?
The ApolloSearch 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 ApolloSearch?
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 ApolloSearch?
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 ApolloSearch Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ApolloSearch 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 ApolloSearch?
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 ApolloSearch threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.