Lkysearchex (Removal Guide) - Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge

What is Lkysearchex?

Lkysearchex is a redirect virus that may inject unwanted ads and fake search results into your web browsing routine

Lkysearchex is adware app that hijacks all the installed browsers on macOS and displays intrusive ads, gathers various browsing-related data, as well as performs other unwanted activities

Lkysearchex is an adware-type infection that might be present on Mac users' computers, although in some cases, the threat can reside within Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or another browser. This is because the adware can get installed on the targeted system as a browser extension or as a standalone application. In most cases, these programs arrive at the system without users' permission, as they are often bundled with other software that is distributed on third-party websites.

Once installed, the Lkysearchex virus changes the settings of the web browser, and might also drop several files onto macOS without warning. In worse cases, the extension might also grant itself elevated permissions and be able to read personal details on all websites (such as banking or online payment checkouts). There is no need for Lkysearchex to have such permissions, so the prescience of this Mac malware might result in money loss or sensitive data exposure to cybercriminals. Besides, Lkysearchex can also show intrusive pop-ups, pop-unders, in-text links, auto-play, and other forms of advertisements, and redirect users to insecure websites.

Lkysearchex removal might depend on many different factors, although the easiest way to terminate the potentially unwanted program that causes browser redirects is by scanning the machine with reputable anti-malware. In other cases, getting rid of the threat can be as easy as removing the unwanted extension from the browser.

It is possible that Lkysearchex will redirect you to websites that claim fake virus infections – one of the best scam examples which adware-infected users encounter is “Your system is infected with 3 viruses.” Visitors are informed that allegedly the macOS is infected with various malware and that they might lose sensitive information unless they download and install a remedy application.

Typically, shady apps are promoted in such a way, including Advanced Mac Cleaner, Mac Tonic, Smart Mac Booster, and countless of others. These apps are absolutely useless for macOS, as they do not fix any problems but rather show fake scan results to make users buy licensed versions. In fact, some of these scareware^[1] apps were involved in malicious campaigns like Shlayer Trojan (if you need an app that can clean and speed up your Mac, use FortectIntego instead).

Therefore, Lkysearchex redirects and ads might indicate a much bigger problem than initially thought. To remove Lkysearchex from your machine, along with the other unwanted software, you should follow the instructions below. For the best results, you should also reset all the installed browsers.

Lkysearchex is a redirect virus that takes over users' searches and displays alternative (non-organic) search results

Opt for official sources when it comes to new application installation

In general, there should be no need to download applications from third-parties, as official sources have many apps to choose from. For example, the App Store hosts almost two millions application that you could choose from.^[2] Besides, there are other options available, such as Amazon Appstore. In other words, as long as the source is legitimate and approved by Apple, downloading apps should be safe. Nevertheless, be aware that even legitimate stores sometimes get tricked by clever cybercriminals, as they insert malicious apps that bypass initial security checks.^[3]

If you still decide to go for third-party sites, you should acknowledge the risks, as software bundles are often hosted in unofficial sources. First of all, you should equip your machine with reputable anti-malware, as it could stop many threats before they can even enter. Secondly, you should always take a close look at the installation process, as this is when most are tricked. Always opt for Advanced/Custom installation settings and watch out for pre-ticked boxes, fine print text, deceptive offers, etc.

Additionally, never download anything from websites that claim virus infections or indicate that your personal information is in danger – it is merely a scam that seeks your money and nothing else. Also, fake Flash and Java updates are often used to install potentially unwanted applications, as well as malware on users' computers, so always download updates from official sources only.

Potentially unwanted programs like Lkysearchex are often installed via software bundles or fake updates (Flash, Java, etc.)

Get rid of Lkysearchex virus on your Mac

As previously mentioned, you can remove Lkysearchex virus in two different ways: manual and automatic. Both can work just as well as each other, although it highly depends on many factors. For example, if an extension causes the intrusive browser behavior, you should be able to get rid of it via the browser in just a few clicks. However, some extensions might prevent Lkysearchex removal in the first place – the same goes for standalone apps.

For example, Lkysearchex might have inserted a new Profile which would be launched with every computer boot-up. Additionally, suspicious entries can be placed in the following folders:

• ~/Library/LaunchAgents;
• ~/Library/Application Support;
• ~/Library/LaunchDaemons

Thus, if you opt for manual Lkysearchex virus uninstallation, you should check these folders and delete files related to it. If you are unsure about your actions, rather install a reputable anti-malware that specializes in PUP removal, and perform a full system scan. Finally, resetting all the installed browsers would also get rid of the malicious app if it is the extension that is causing unwanted activities on your device.

You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. 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.