Internet users should expect to see advertisements online, especially when visiting websites where the publishers need to make a profit in order to keep the site running. However, if the amount of advertisements displayed is out of control and interfering with browser functions like persistent redirects, it may be that an odd application is in charge of the internet software.
AdditionalResults is one of the dubious browser extensions that might cause the aforementioned disruptions in browser applications.
The AdditionalResults app is now marketed as a browser extension that enhances the search functionality of internet programs. However, after using this software, we discovered that it actually functions differently and that browser speed is deteriorating, which occasionally results in freezing. The worst part is that too many AdditionalResults browsing requests might occasionally cause software to crash and ruin an internet application.
How does AdditionalResults harm Mac?
Simply put, AdditionalResults is similar to adware like ProjectorDigital, ReserveBroadband, and numerous other remakes. These dubious browser add-ons infiltrate computers through shareware or freeware. The creators of AdditionalResults illegally create customized versions of some well-known shareware that contain the dangerous program. Because the AdditionalResults app often loads in the background and Mac users only see the host program setup process, installing the free software will never give any indication that AdditionalResults is loading concurrently.
An additional method of getting AdditionalResults via the internet is through dishonest advertising. Attackers are deceitfully hiding the questionable app in software update files and promoting it through false pop-up advertising. When visiting websites that are involved in software and media piracy, such as those that offer illicit media streaming and cracked programs, users frequently run into this advertising. Pop-ups that occasionally appear advise downloading and installing software updates because out-of-date software can interfere with browser functionality. Many Mac users were duped into installing the bogus update that permits the AdditionalResults adware to enter the system because the deceptive pop-up was created to look like official system alerts.
The risks when installing AdditionalResults
The AdditionalResults app, like almost all adware, was created to make money by taking advantage of the software used to infect the internet. Mac users may become distracted by the overwhelming display of advertisements and redirects while performing this procedure. Additionally, AdditionalResults may overwhelm the browser with pop-up advertisements. AdditionalResults was made to collect browser data such as search terms, favorite websites, IP addresses, user names, and passwords in connection with its deft advertising strategy. By presenting tailored advertising, the data acquired from hacked browsers may assist attackers in making more money.
We advise quick removal of AdditionalResults because it puts Mac users’ online privacy and security at risk while achieving its goal. On the following page, comprehensive removal instructions for AdditionalResults are offered, along with reliable malware and virus removal utilities.
Procedures to Remove AdditionalResults from Mac
This area contains comprehensive procedures to help you remove adware and potentially unwanted program from the computer.
Guide on this page are written in a manner that can be easily understand and execute by Mac users.
Quick Fix - Scan the Mac Computer with Combo Cleaner
Combo Cleaner is a trusted Mac utility application with complete antivirus and optimization features. It is useful in dealing with adware, malware, and PUP's. Moreover, it can get rid of adware like AdditionalResults. You may need to purchase the full version if you want to maximize its premium features.
1. Download the tool from the following page:
2. Double-click the downloaded file and proceed with the installation.
3. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon onto your Applications folder icon.
4. Open your Launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon.
5. Wait until your antivirus downloads its latest virus definition updates.
6. Next, click on "Start Combo Scan" to start removing AdditionalResults.
7. Free features of Combo Cleaner include Disk Cleaner, Big Files finder, Duplicate files finder, and Uninstaller. To use antivirus and privacy scanner, users have to upgrade to a premium version.
Proceed with the rest of the removal steps if you are comfortable manually removing malicious objects associated with the threat.
Step 1 : Delete AdditionalResults from Mac Applications
1. Go to Finder.
2. On the menu, click Go and then, select Applications from the list to open Applications Folder.
3. Find AdditionalResults or any unwanted program or suspicious item. It could be in disguise as a different file.
4. Drag AdditionalResults to Trash Bin to delete the application from Mac.
5. Right-click on Trash icon and click on Empty Trash.
Step 2 : Remove Browser Extensions that belongs to AdditionalResults
1. Locate the add-on or extension that is relevant to the adware. To do this, please follow the following depending on affected browser.
Safari - Choose Preferences from the Safari menu, then click the Extensions icon. This will open a window showing all installed extensions.
Chrome - Select Preferences from the Chrome menu, and then click the Extensions link found on the left pane.
Firefox - Choose Add-ons from the Menu. Look at both the Extensions and Plug-ins lists when it opens a new window.
2. Once you have located AdditionalResults, click on Remove or Uninstall, to get rid of it.
3. Close the browser and proceed to the next steps.
Step 3 : Delete Malicious Files that have installed AdditionalResults
1. Select and copy the string below to your Clipboard by pressing Command + C on your keyboard.
~/Library/LaunchAgents
2. Go to your Finder. From the menu bar please select Go > Go to Folder...
3. Press Command + V on your keyboard to paste the copied string. Press Return to go to the said folder.
4. You will now see a folder named LaunchAgents. Take note of the following files inside the folder:
- com.AdditionalResults
- unknown.download.plist
- unknown.ltvbit.plist
- unknown.update.plist
The term unknown is just a representation of the actual malware name. Attackers may masks the actual name with following:
- AdditionalResults
If you cannot find the specified file, please look for any unfamiliar or suspicious entries. It may be the one causing AdditionalResults to be present on your Mac. Arranging all items to see the most latest ones may also help you identify recently installed unfamiliar files. Please press Option + Command + 4 on your keyboard to arrange the application list in chronological order.
Important: Take note of all the suspicious files as you may also delete the same item on another folder as we go on.
5. Drag all suspicious files that you may find to Trash.
6. Please restart the computer.
7. Open another folder using the same method as above. Copy and Paste the following string to easily locate the folder.
~/Library/Application Support
8. Look for any suspicious items that are similar to the ones in Step 4. Drag them to the Trash.
9. Repeat the process on the following non-hidden folders (without ~):
/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
/Library/Application Support
10. Lastly, go to your Finder and open the Applications Folder. Look for subfolders with the following names and drag them to Trash.
- AdditionalResults
Optional : For locked files that cannot be removed, do the following:
1. Go to Launchpad, Utilities folder, open Activity Monitor.
2. Select the process you want to quit.
3. Click on Force Quit button.
4. You may now delete or remove locked files that belongs to AdditionalResults adware.
Step 4 : Double-check with MBAM Tool for Mac
1. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac from this link:
2. Run Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac. It will check for updates and download the most recent version if one is available. This is necessary for finding recent malware threats, including AdditionalResults.
3. If it prompts to close all running web browser, please do so. Thus, we advise you to PRINT this guide for your reference before going offline.
4. Once it opens the user interface, please click on the Scan button to start scanning your Mac computer.
5. After the scan, Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac will display a list of identified threats, and AdditionalResults is surely part of it. Be sure to select all items in the list. Then, click the Remove button to clean the computer.
Step 5 : Remove AdditionalResults from Homepage and Search
Safari
- Open your Safari browser.
- Go to the Safari Menu located in the upper left-hand corner, and then select Preferences.
- Under the General tab, navigate to the Default Search Engine section and select Google or any valid search engine.
- Next, be sure that the "New Windows Open With" field is set to Homepage.
- Lastly, remove AdditionalResults from the Homepage field. Replace it with your preferred URL to be set as your default homepage.
Google Chrome
- Open the Google Chrome browser.
- Input the following on the address bar and press Enter on the keyboard : chrome://settings/
- Look for 'On Startup' area on the sidebar.
- Select 'Open a specific page or set of pages'.
- Choose the unwanted homepage, and click on Ellipses (three dots) and select Edit.
- Enter the desired web address as your homepage, replacing the AdditionalResults setting. Click Save.
- To set the default search engine, go to the Search Engine area from the sidebar link.
- Click on 'Manage search engines...' button.
- Select the questionable Search Engine and click on Ellipses (three dots). ClickDelete. to remove it from the list.
- Go back to the Search Engine area and choose a valid entry (i.e., Google) from 'Search engine used in the address bar'.
Mozilla Firefox
- Run Mozilla Firefox browser.
- Type the following on the address bar and hit Enter on keyboard : about:preferences
- Click Home on the sidebar area.
- Under "New Windows and Tabs", you may choose Firefox Home (Default) or Custom URLs.
- Input the desired URL to replace AdditionalResults settings if you chose Custom URLs.
- To configure default search engine, select Search on the sidebar to display the settings.
- Under the Default Search Engine list, please select one (i.e., Google).
- On the same page, you have the option to Remove unwanted search engines.
Optional : If you are unable to change browser settings, execute these steps:
Some users complain that there is no way to change browser settings because they are grayed out by AdditionalResults. In such a situation, it is important to check if there is an unwanted profile. Please do the following:
1. Quit any running applications and launch System Preferences from your Dock.
2. Under System Preferences, click Profiles.
3. Select AdditionalResults or any relevant profile from the left pane. See the image below.
4. At the bottom of this window, click the minus [-] button to delete the account. Please refer to the image above.
5. Close the Profiles window and open the affected browser to change all settings associated with AdditionalResults.
