How to uninstall the BrowserBuffer adware from your operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is BrowserBuffer?
BrowserBuffer is a rogue app categorized as adware. It also has browser hijacker qualities. Following successful installation, this piece of software runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and promotes fake search engines through modifications to browser settings. Additionally, BrowserBuffer has data tracking abilities.
Since most users download/install adware and browser hijackers inadvertently, they are classified as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). Fake Adobe Flash Player updates are commonly used to distribute software like BrowserBuffer. It is noteworthy that fraudulent updaters/installers proliferate not only PUAs but malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.) as well.
BrowserBuffer adware in detail
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphic content on any visited websites and/or different interfaces. The displayed ads can be pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons, and so forth. They seriously diminish the browsing experience by overlaying webpage content and slowing down the browsing speed.
Furthermore, intrusive adverts pose a threat to device and user safety. These advertisements endorse sale-oriented, unreliable, deceptive/scam, and malicious sites. Some intrusive ads can even be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts designed to download/install software (e.g., PUAs) stealthily.
Browser hijackers assign browsers' homepage, new tab/window, and default search engine URLs - to fake web searcher addresses. Hence, with such a piece of software installed: every new tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address.
Fake search engines are seldom able to generate search results, so they redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google, and other genuine ones. Browser hijackers can also restrict or deny access to the browser settings. Alternatively, they ensure persistence by resetting any changes users try to make to their browsers. Therefore, recovering a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it.
What is more, like most PUAs, BrowserBuffer can track data. Information of interest includes: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses/ geolocations, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. To ensure device integrity and user privacy, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.
Name | Ads by BrowserBuffer |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Generic.22942), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal) |
Additional Information | This application belongs to Adload malware family. |
Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Adware in general
Sorimbrsec, TopProcesser, and CharacterSearch are a few examples of apps within the adware category. They appear ordinary and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation with offers of various "handy" functionalities. However, the features are typically nonoperational.
Nearly all PUAs use nonexistent functions as bait. The sole purpose of unwanted software is to generate revenue at user expense. Therefore, instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can run intrusive advertisement campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers, and collect private and vulnerable information.
How did BrowserBuffer install on my computer?
PUAs can be downloaded/installed together with other programs. This deceptive marketing technique of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is called "bundling". Rushed download/installations processes (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, etc.) increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements are used to proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission. Some PUAs may also have "official" promotional webpages from which they can be downloaded.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to research software before download/installation. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer harmful content.
When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from additional apps, tools, features, etc. Intrusive advertisements appear legitimate; however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so on).
In case of encounters with adverts and/or redirects of this kind, the device must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with BrowserBuffer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once BrowserBuffer adware's installation is over:
BrowserBuffer adware's installation folder:
BrowserBuffer adware installed onto the Safari browser:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is BrowserBuffer?
- STEP 1. Remove BrowserBuffer related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove BrowserBuffer ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove BrowserBuffer adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove BrowserBuffer ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove BrowserBuffer adware using Combo Cleaner:
BrowserBuffer adware removal:
Remove BrowserBuffer-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash.
After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove adware-related files and folders
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:
In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/
In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
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