Removal instructions for PrimaryRotator adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is PrimaryRotator?
Our research team found the PrimaryRotator app while investigating new submissions to VirusTotal. After inspecting this piece of software, we determined that it operates as adware and is part of the AdLoad malware family.
PrimaryRotator adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The displayed advertisements endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Note that any legitimate products encountered through these ads are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to deliver advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if PrimaryRotator does not display advertisements - its presence endangers device/user safety.
Additionally, this rogue app may have browser hijacker functionalities, as AdLoad adware often has them, although we did not observe such traits during testing.
What is more, PrimaryRotator likely collects private information. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, finance-related information, and so on. The gathered data can be monetized via sale to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like PrimaryRotator on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by PrimaryRotator |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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 examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; AlphaExplorer, CharacterGeneration, ThinDev, and TemplateFrame are merely some examples.
This software typically looks ordinary and innocuous. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of various "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did PrimaryRotator install on my computer?
"Bundling" - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious supplements - is used to distribute adware. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., free file-hosting and freeware sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing installations (e.g., skipping steps/sections, etc.) - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Furthermore, intrusive advertisements are used to proliferate adware. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most users enter these websites via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, pages using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious content typically appears legitimate/ordinary. For example, intrusive adverts look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PrimaryRotator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once PrimaryRotator adware's installation is over:
PrimaryRotator adware's installation 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:
- What is PrimaryRotator?
- STEP 1. Remove PrimaryRotator related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PrimaryRotator ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PrimaryRotator adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PrimaryRotator ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PrimaryRotator adware using Combo Cleaner:
PrimaryRotator adware removal:
Remove PrimaryRotator-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It usually has data-tracking abilities - hence, it is categorized as a threat to user privacy. What is more, advertising-supported software displays ads promoting dangerous content that can cause serious problems such as system infections, financial losses, etc.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software enables the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and so forth. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PrimaryRotator adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating detected apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed - various components (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion