Remove ArchimedesLookup (Removal Instructions) - Free Guide
ArchimedesLookup – a malicious application that is widely spread among macOS users
ArchimedesLookup is an adware app that Mac users can download without intending to do so, as uses deceptive distribution techniques, such as fake Flash Player update prompts[1] and software bundle packages. Once inside the system, it installs a browser extension which is clipped to Safari, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox web browser, and then changes homepage and new tab URL to something else.
Since ArchimedesLookup virus is a part of a well-known Adload adware campaign, previous examples show that victims see Safe Finder as their default engine soon after the infection occurs. Additionally, users might also notice redirects to akamaihd.net subdomains, intrusive advertisements (popups, coupons, promos, deals, offers), and increased number of online scams.
Behind the scenes, ArchimedesLookup adware collects anonymous browser data, as well as sensitive information, as the browser extension is installed with elevated permissions on the browser. Those who found their browser settings changed suddenly by a malicious app, should investigate the matter further, as apps belonging to this adware campaign might be associated with OSX/Shlayer and Crescent Core malware infections.
| Name | ArchimedesLookup |
| Type | Adware, Mac virus |
| Malware family | Adload. Other members include CreativeSearch, SearchWebSvc, MainReady, DataQuest, ProductEvent, AgileHelp, etc. |
| Distribution | Pirated software installers (torrents), software bundles, fake Flash Player update prompts |
| Symptoms | Unknown browser extensions are installed on the web browser with elevated permissions; search engine and new tab address altered to something else; redirects bring to unknown/malicious/scam sites, etc. |
| Associated risks | Additional malware/PUP infection, sensitive information disclosure to unknown parties/crybercriminals, identity theft, monetary losses due to encountered scams, etc. |
| Termination | Manual elimination might sometimes be impossible since the app is installed with elevated permissions. The best way to get rid of ArchimedesLookup is to scan your device with anti-malware software |
| Optimization | After malware termination, we recommend using Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego to improve computer performance |
Adload apps like ArchimedesLookup are known to be distributed via various deceptive and even malicious methods, similar to malware. The most common infection methods include:
- Fake Flash Player updates that can be encountered on various websites;
- Repacked installers, software cracks, torrents, and similar unsafe downloads;
- Software bundle packages downloaded from third-party sites.
In most cases, cybercriminals use social engineering to make users install malicious apps themselves. This tactic involves abusing human psychology to make them believe in things that are not actually true. For example, Flash Player is a flawed and outdated plugin that is generally not needed anymore. Yet, malicious actors claim that it is necessary and make users install malware on their machines.
ArchimedesLookup is a relatively primitive computer infection, although it performs the action it was designed for very well. For example, it establishes persistence on the system by creating new profiles and dropping malicious .plist files in Library and other folders. Hence, users who just place the app into the Trash will not remove ArchimedesLookup successfully unless they delete those files manually.
One of the most dangerous ArchimedesLookup virus traits is that it can abuse the built-in AppleScript[2] within Mac computers in order to perform malicious activities on the system. Thus, those who are infected with this adware might find that there are several browser extensions and applications installed without permission.
During the time when users are infected with ArchimedesLookup malware, they are at great risk of having their privacy violated, as the app gathers anonymous and personal data via the web browser, as is stated in the extension description:
Permissions for “ArchimedesLookup”
Webpage contents
Can read sensitive information from webpages, including passwords, phone numbers, and credit cards on: all webpagesBrowsing History
Can see when you visit: all webpages
To make matters worse, due to established configuration settings, ArchimedesLookup removal becomes almost impossible for users who are less familiar with computer operation principles. Luckily, powerful anti-malware, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner can be used for the elimination process. Besides performing a full system scan, users should also ensure that they reset their web browsers and perform further checks with Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego to ensure the best Mac performance.
Mac adware is commonly distributed via fake Flash Player installers
Mac computers are considered to be much more secure than the Windows counterparts. However, malicious actors manage to break these defenses by convincing users to let malware in. Therefore, you should be aware that your computer security is in your own hands, and you should take care of it if you want to avoid financial losses, sensitive data leak, or identity theft.
First of all, you should not download apps from sources that are not approved by Apple. For security reasons, all unapproved apps require your password to access your device, so you should ensure that no malicious applications gain access to your computer. Thus, carefully choose where the software is coming from, and avoid high-risk websites such as torrents altogether.
Finally, you should not download anything related to Flash Player. Previously, it used to be used for multimedia playback purposes, and almost all websites used it. However, the technology is outdated and is filled with security flaws. Most modern web browsers, such as Google Chrome, have the functionality built-in within it, so there is no need to install the plugin in the first place. Adobe will discontinue Flash Player at the end of 2020. For all these reasons, security experts[3] recommend eliminating Flash from a computer and never using it again.
Get rid of ArchimedesLookup to ensure your online safety
ArchimedesLookup is not your typical Mac adware that will spam you with ads every time you open your browser (although it will also do that). The app acts more like malware does, and also abuses built-in operating system features in order to stay on it as long as possible. Besides, if you choose to ignore the infection for long enough, you will be infected with even more potentially unwanted programs and malware, so you should take care of ArchimedesLookup removal as soon as possible.
As mentioned above, the best way to remove ArchimedesLookup from your system is by letting a powerful anti-malware software doing it for you. Simply download a reputable security application, bring it up to date, and then perform a full system scan. This method is not perfect, however, as not all security apps might be able to detect the infection. In such a case, we suggest checking the following places on the machine and eliminating all the suspicious files:
- System Preferences > Accounts> Login Items
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- ~/Library/Application Support
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons
As soon as you delete the ArchimedesLookup virus from your Mac, you should also reset your web browser to get rid of malicious settings established by the adware.
You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
To remove ArchimedesLookup, follow these steps:
Eliminate ArchimedesLookup from Mac OS X system
Get rid of ArchimedesLookup manually, follow these steps:
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If you are using OS X, click Go button at the top left of the screen and select Applications.
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Wait until you see Applications folder and look for ArchimedesLookup or any other suspicious programs on it. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash.
Erase ArchimedesLookup from Internet Explorer (IE)
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Remove dangerous add-ons
Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top right corner of the browser and choose Manage Add-ons.
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You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for ArchimedesLookup and other suspicious plugins. Disable these entries by clicking Disable:
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Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Click on the gear icon (menu) on the top right corner of the browser and select Internet Options. Stay in General tab. -
Here, remove malicious URL and enter preferable domain name. Click Apply to save changes.
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Reset Internet Explorer
Click on the gear icon (menu) again and select Internet options. Go to Advanced tab. - Here, select Reset.
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When in the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset again to complete ArchimedesLookup removal.
Get rid of ArchimedesLookup from Microsoft Edge
Reset Microsoft Edge settings (Method 1):
- Launch Microsoft Edge app and click More (three dots at the top right corner of the screen).
- Click Settings to open more options.
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Once Settings window shows up, click Choose what to clear button under Clear browsing data option.
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Here, select all what you want to remove and click Clear.
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Now you should right-click on the Start button (Windows logo). Here, select Task Manager.
- When in Processes tab, search for Microsoft Edge.
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Right-click on it and choose Go to details option. If can’t see Go to details option, click More details and repeat previous steps.
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When Details tab shows up, find every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right click on each of them and select End Task to end these entries.
Resetting Microsoft Edge browser (Method 2):
If Method 1 failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method.
- Note: you need to backup your data before using this method.
- Find this folder on your computer:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe. -
Select every entry which is saved on it and right click with your mouse. Then Delete option.
- Click the Start button (Windows logo) and type in window power in Search my stuff line.
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Right-click the Windows PowerShell entry and choose Run as administrator.
- Once Administrator: Windows PowerShell window shows up, paste this command line after PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml -Verbose}
Once these steps are finished, ArchimedesLookup should be removed from your Microsoft Edge browser.
Delete ArchimedesLookup from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
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Remove dangerous extensions
Open Mozilla Firefox, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Add-ons → Extensions.
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Here, select ArchimedesLookup and other questionable plugins. Click Remove to delete these entries.
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Reset Mozilla Firefox
Click on the Firefox menu on the top left and click on the question mark. Here, choose Troubleshooting Information.
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Now you will see Reset Firefox to its default state message with Reset Firefox button. Click this button for several times and complete ArchimedesLookup removal.
Remove ArchimedesLookup from Google Chrome
Google Chrome might still have malicious settings on it, even after you get rid of the infection. Thus, reset the browser as explained below:
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Delete malicious plugins
Open Google Chrome, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Tools → Extensions.
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Here, select ArchimedesLookup and other malicious plugins and select trash icon to delete these entries.
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Click on menu icon again and choose Settings → Manage Search engines under the Search section.
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When in Search Engines..., remove malicious search sites. You should leave only Google or your preferred domain name.
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Reset Google Chrome
Click on menu icon on the top right of your Google Chrome and select Settings. -
Scroll down to the end of the page and click on Reset browser settings.
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Click Reset to confirm this action and complete ArchimedesLookup removal.
Uninstall ArchimedesLookup from Safari
You should reset Safari if you can't uninstall malicious extensions in a regular way:
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Remove dangerous extensions
Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences.
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Here, select Extensions and look for ArchimedesLookup or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.
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Reset Safari
Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari....
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Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete ArchimedesLookup removal process.
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant a full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features.
Nevertheless, there's a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various circumstances, malware is also one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. Potentially unwanted programs may clear files that keep the application from running smoothly.
More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, or images get locked. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them. Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system.
In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
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References
- ^ Joshua Long. Adobe Flash Player is dead, yet 10% of Macs are infected with fake Flash malware. Intego. The Mac Security Blog.
- ^ AppleScript. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Bedynet. Bedynet. Cybersecurity advice and malware news.
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