How to eliminate the PrimaryRemote adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is PrimaryRemote?
During a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal, our researchers found the PrimaryRemote application. Our examination revealed that this app operates as advertising-supported software (adware). We also determined that PrimaryRemote is part of the AdLoad malware family.
PrimaryRemote adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns, i.e., this software displays ads on various interfaces. The delivered advertisements endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that legitimate products or services encountered through these adverts are highly unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be necessary (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.) for advertising-supported software to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. However, even if PrimaryRemote does not display ads – the app's presence on a system remains a threat to device/user safety.
AdLoad adware commonly has browser-hijacking traits, although the PrimaryRemote app did not exhibit any during our analysis.
Furthermore, this rogue application likely has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like PrimaryRemote on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by PrimaryRemote |
| 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), 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 investigated countless adware-type apps; PrimaryBuffer, LauncherIndex, and ExpandedBrowser are merely a couple of examples.
Advertising-supported software usually looks legitimate and harmless. It entices users with a broad range of handy and advantageous functionalities, which are rarely operational. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did PrimaryRemote install on my computer?
Adware is often promoted on "official" download pages endorsing the app/extension specifically. This software is also pushed through scam websites. Users primarily enter such webpages via redirects generated by sites that employ rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can be bundled with ordinary programs as well. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing installation processes (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, intrusive advertisements spread adware. Some of these ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. Furthermore, installation must be treated with caution. Hence, we recommend reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
If you keep encountering such advertisements/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PrimaryRemote, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once PrimaryRemote adware's installation is over:
PrimaryRemote 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 PrimaryRemote?
- STEP 1. Remove PrimaryRemote related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PrimaryRemote ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PrimaryRemote adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PrimaryRemote ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PrimaryRemote adware using Combo Cleaner:
PrimaryRemote adware removal:
Remove PrimaryRemote-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 delivers advertisements that promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing serious problems, such as system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc. Its presence on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware is considered to be a threat to user privacy since it usually collects private data.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to feed users with advertisements, which the software can display on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Furthermore, some adware-types are capable of generating redirects and gathering sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting a wide variety of content. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PrimaryRemote adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden within the system. The remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, adware must be removed thoroughly.
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