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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Adware
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · May 2019

How to remove TopicLookup

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Jake Doevan · Computer technology expert

TopicLookup is an adware application that disturbs Mac users with intrusive advertisements and slows down the web browser

TopicLookup

TopicLookup is a potentially unwanted program[1] that is usually installed unintentionally when users do not pay close attention to the installation process of shareware or freeware. For that reason, they rarely know where the app came from or what the purpose of it is.

Created for Mac operating systems, TopicLookup might seem like a legitimate application which comes under the name of com.TopicLookup. However, soon after the installation, it performs a set of changes to the way the computer operates and affects Safari, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and all the other installed browsers. 

Soon after that, users might notice an increased amount of advertisement on all websites that they visit, browser redirects to suspicious sites, and even changes to the startup page and new tab URL. Besides this activity that might prevent users from finding relevant information, TopicLookup collects a variety of non-personally identifiable information, which might compromise their privacy.

Besides, com.TopicLookup is recognized[2] by a variety of anti-virus engines under such names as OSX/Dldr.Adload.bojrl, Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.1, Adware/Cimpli, MacOS:Adload-J [Trj], OSX/Cimpli, and many others.

Name TopicLookup
Alternative com.TopicLookup
Type Adware/PUP
OS macOS
Affected browsers Google Chrome, Safari, Opera, Mozilla Firefox, etc.
Infiltration Software bundling, third-party sites
Main dangers Malware infection, money loss, personal data exposure to unknown parties
Termination Use our instructions below or employ anti-virus software
Recovery Scan your device with FortectIntego for best results

While technically not malware, users might call the PUP TopicLookup virus due to its stealthy installation and the amount of pop-ups, deals, offers, in-text links and other commercial content it produces. Adware is not considered to be as malicious as such threats like ransomware or trojans, but it might expose users to unsafe sites.

Nevertheless, the growing concerns by security experts and more extensive studies make multiple AV vendors start flagging PUPs.[3] Therefore, a variety of anti-virus software tools can be used for TopicLookup removal.

Apps like TopicLookup are created purely for revenue generation for its developers. Unfortunately, the safety of the end users' experience is often forgotten, which results in an overall negative impact on the computer, as well as browsing struggle. Those infected might see ads marked as following (can vary):

Sponsored by TopicLookup

Ads by TopicLookup

Powered by TopicLookup

Brought to you by TopicLookup

What is more, because TopicLookup is an adware app, it might gather a variety of information about users – mostly related to browsing habits, such as:

  • Search queries
  • Links clicked
  • Bookmarks added
  • Tracking cookies
  • Time spent on each visited site

In addition, other data, like ISP, IP, technical information, might also be collected and even shared with unknown third-parties that are related to com.TopicLookup adware. Be aware that the IP address might be considered personal data, along with search queries, like emails, names and similar data might be entered.

TopicLookup adware

Therefore, if you see ads continually, you should remove TopicLookup PUP from your Mac as soon as possible. It will not provide you any benefit and might even lead you to malware-laden sites, primarily if you actively interact with the intrusive content. After you complete termination, scan your machine with FortectIntego and reset your browsers for best results.

Pay close attention to the installation of new software

Users are often careless when it comes to online security. While most already know that downloading cracks or pirated software is not a good idea, the potential dangers of unwanted programs like adware are often forgotten. Additionally, it does not help that shareware and freeware authors do everything they can to slip in PUPs into as many users' computers as possible, as each install generates money.

While the practice is deceptive, to say the least, no law forbids it, as the fine print somewhere explains what you are agreeing to it when installing new software. Additionally, pre-ticked boxes often state “By continuing, you agree to Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.” And who reads those, right?

We will not ask you to read the lengthy documents, as it is extremely tedious and is not worth the time. However, you should make use of these tips from industry experts:[4]

  • Pick a trusted source for your downloads (beware, however, that even the most known program hosting sites bundle software);
  • Check reviews of the app before installing it;
  • Watch out for deals or offers – decline them;
  • Make sure the important documents are indeed provided;
  • Opt for Advanced installation mode – it will allow you to remove all the optional components before they manage to get in.

Terminate TopicLookup from your computer

To remove TopicLookup, you will have to locate the app in the installed application list and delete it. However, it is not enough to completely get rid of unwanted activities. The PUP creates a variety of entries in your Mac, so simply moving it to trash will not do the trick.

com.TopicLookup PUP

To complete full TopicLookup removal, you will have to delete a profile that the virus created, and check LaunchAgents and Application Support folders. Check for full instructions below. Alternatively, you can use security software to get rid of all the elements that were installed with the app.

Once you get rid of TopicLookup virus, you should also reset each of the installed browsers.

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

  1. Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.Reset Internet Explorer

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.Reset MS Edge

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.

Reset Google Chrome:

If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari

Delete TopicLookup profile:

  • Click on Preferences and then pick Profiles
  • Select AdminPrefs and remove it by pressing a “—” button

Delete TopicLookup Launch Agents:

  • Click on Go and select Go to Folder…
  • Type in /Library/LaunchAgents and hit Go
  • Locate all the suspicious entries and terminate them

After that, go to Application Support folder same way you entered LaunchAgents, and delete all the unwanted entries there.

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