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How to eliminate OffersPrimary adware and the adverts it delivers

Also Known As: Ads by OffersPrimary
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is OffersPrimary?

OffersPrimary is a piece of rogue software classified as adware. It also has browser hijacker traits. Since such dubious apps are usually downloaded/installed unintentionally, they are also deemed to be PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).

OffersPrimary adware

OffersPrimary adware overview

Adware can display pop-ups, surveys, banners, coupons, and other intrusive adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces. The delivered ads endorse a wide variety of online scams, untrustworthy and dangerous sites, as well as unwanted and malicious apps. What is more, some intrusive adverts can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs) - when clicked on.

Browser hijackers cause redirects to fake search engines once a new browser tab/window is opened, or a search query is typed into the URL bar. This software does this by resetting the browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs - to the promoted address.

Illegitimate search engines tend to redirect to genuine ones (e.g., Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.) due to being incapable of generating search results. Browser hijackers also use persistence-ensuring methods to stop users from recovering their browsers.

Most PUAs collect sensitive information, e.g., visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card details, and so forth. The gathered data is monetized through sale to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of unwanted software on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by OffersPrimary
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
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 examples

ActiveCoordinatorCheckFeatureConnectProcess - are a couple examples of adware. Software of this kind appears legitimate yet seldom works as promised. Fake features and disregard for user safety are typical of practically PUAs. The only goal of unwanted apps is to generate profit at user expense.

How did OffersPrimary install on my computer?

PUAs can have "official" promotional/download webpages. These applications can be downloaded/installed together with other software as well. This marketing technique of packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious supplements - is named "bundling". Additionally, intrusive advertisements can download/install PUAs without user consent - upon being clicked.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is important to always research software and only download it from official/verified sources. Dubious download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) sharing networks, etc. - often offer bundled/harmful content.

Download and installation processes have to be treated with caution. Hence, it is crucial to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions. Intrusive adverts look innocuous, yet they redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).

If ads and/or redirects of this type are encountered, the system must be inspected and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed. If your computer is already infected with OffersPrimary, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once OffersPrimary adware's installation is over:

Pop-up displayed once OffersPrimary installation is complete

OffersPrimary adware's installation folder:

OffersPrimary adware install folder

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:

Video showing how to remove OffersPrimary adware using Combo Cleaner:

OffersPrimary adware removal:

Remove OffersPrimary-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac browser hijacker removal from 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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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 decreases browsing quality and system performance. This software also endangers user privacy, as it usually has data tracking abilities. Furthermore, adware-displayed advertisements can be deceptive and malicious. Hence, they can cause other serious problems.

What does adware do?

Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to deliver intrusive ad campaigns. To elaborate, it enables the placement of various adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through illegitimate commissions received from the promotion of various websites, software, products, services, and so on.

Will Combo Cleaner remove OffersPrimary adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type applications detected. It should be stressed that manual is not an ideal solution in all instances. Sometimes even after the software itself is (manually) deleted - leftover files remain within the system. What is more, such remnants can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove adware immediately and thoroughly.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
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