How to eliminate BufferRecord adware?

What is BufferRecord adware?

BufferRecord functions as adware and a browser hijacker: it generates revenue for its developer by displaying advertisements and promoting a fake search engine. Many of the apps of this type are promoted and (or) distributed using questionable, deceptive methods. Thus, they are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs)

BufferRecord adware in detail

BufferRecord delivers advertisements that could open untrustworthy websites, for example, various scams, download pages for PUAs. Apps like BufferRecord generate pop-ups, banners, coupons, or other ads. Sometimes, adware can display ads that can run specific scripts to download or install unwanted software. Those ads should not be clicked.

Also, BufferRecord promotes a fake search engine (its address) by changing the homepage, new tab URL, and default search engine. Fake search engines can include untrustworthy websites in their search results or show results generated by other questionable search engines.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by BufferRecord
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names (BufferRecord.system)	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.24108), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), Full List (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (BufferRecord.service)	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.24111), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware in general

BufferRecord displays ads and forces users to search the web using a fake search engine. It is possible that this app (or a fake search engine promoted by it) collects various information about users. Adware is a type of software that can cause various problems. More adware examples are AboutExtended, OptimizationLaunch, and GeneralAnalog.

How did BufferRecord install on my computer?

BufferRecord is distributed through a fake Adobe Flash Player installer. Usually, such installers are promoted on deceptive websites. Also, apps of this type are distributed through downloaders and installers for other programs, untrustworthy advertisements.

Downloaders and installers used to distribute PUAs have "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings that need to be changed to avoid unwanted downloads or installations. Users often leave them unchanged. Ads cause downloads or installations when they can run specific scripts and users click them.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Avoid using third-party downloaders, installers, and other tools as sources to download or install programs, files. Download them from official pages and via direct links. Do not download or install software without deselecting optional downloads or installations (it can be done using the settings mentioned above).

Also, avoid clicking advertisements displayed by shady websites or PUAs. If your computer is already infected with BufferRecord, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed when BufferRecord adware is present on the system:

Text in this pop-up:

"BufferRecordd" will damage your computer.
 
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
 
OK
Show in Finder

Screenshot of the installer used to distribute BufferRecord (first installation step):

Screenshot of the installer used to distribute BufferRecord (second installation step):

Files related to the BufferRecord adware that need to be removed:

• ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.BufferRecord.service.app
• ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.BufferRecord.service.plist
• /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.BufferRecord.system
• /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.BufferRecord.system.plist

IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like BufferRecord alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.

The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you'll have to restore them manually.

Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.

Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.

Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".

Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also set the settings of each protocol to default - "*.local, 169.254/16".

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 BufferRecord?
• STEP 1. Remove BufferRecord related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove BufferRecord ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove BufferRecord adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove BufferRecord ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove BufferRecord adware using Combo Cleaner:

BufferRecord adware removal:

Remove BufferRecord-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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware displays annoying advertisements and can cause diminished web browsing experience, a potential decrease in computer performance.

What does adware do?

The main purpose of adware usually is to deliver various advertisements. However, software of this type can be designed to change the web browser's settings and collect various information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Typically, adware is monetized by promoting various products, websites, services. A big part of adware developers uses various affiliate programs to generate revenue.

Will Combo Cleaner remove BufferRecord adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate BufferRecord and other adware-type applications. It may not be enough to remove adware manually because some of its components might still be present and running even after the removal. Therefore, it is recommended to eliminate unwanted software using specialized tools (apps).

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