How to remove the Nbp.app malicious software from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is Nbp.app?
Nbp.app is a piece of malicious software belonging to the Pirrit malware family. Upon inspection, we determined that it exhibits browser hijacker functionalities. Yet it is not unlikely that this software also has adware and data-tracking capabilities.
Nbp.app software overview
Browser hijackers typically modify browsers' default search engines, homepages, new tabs/windows, and other settings. At the time of research, Nbp.app did not make any such modifications. However, this software did produce rogue redirects. Observed chains included the following addresses – chillsearch.xyz, nearbyme.io, and could contain various others.
Browser-hijacking software usually promotes fake search engines, which cannot generate search results and land on legitimate Internet search sites (e.g., Bing, Yahoo, Google, etc.). Nearbyme.io is an exception to this; it does produce search results in some instances, but they are inaccurate and may include sponsored, untrustworthy, deceptive, and potentially harmful content. It is pertinent to mention that where redirects land may be impacted by factors like user geolocation.
Nbp.app might operate as advertising-supported software (adware), as that is common for Pirrit applications. This entails displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, coupons, and other ads) on various interfaces.
The advertisements primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some of them can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that any genuine products/services encountered via these adverts are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, both adware and browser hijackers tend to collect private data – hence, this might apply to Nbp.app. Information of interest can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like Nbp.app on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Nbp.app unwanted software |
| Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus, unwanted software, browser hijacker, adware |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:MaxOfferDeal-FL [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Pirrit.5), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BM), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Promoted URLs | chillsearch.xyz, nearbyme.io |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to the Pirrit 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. |
Similar software examples
We have analyzed countless malicious programs targeting Macs; Overbright, Ravenwise, Pipidae, and Atechny are just a few apps from the Pirrit family we have investigated recently. While Bar1 New Tab, OriginType, PlatformDeploy – are a couple examples of browser hijackers, and SystemCyberspace, InputScheduler, ClearPartition – of adware.
It must be mentioned that while unwanted software typically appears legitimate and offers "useful" features, it seldom operates as advertised. Yet even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee legitimacy or safety.
How did Nbp.app install on my computer?
Software like Nbp.app can be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps/sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites can utilized in the distribution as well. Most visitors to such webpages access them via redirects generated by sites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Some intrusive advertisements are likewise capable of performing stealthy software infiltration. Once clicked on, the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of unwanted software?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, investigate available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, and so on.
We advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Nbp.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this software.
When removing Nbp.app, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "nbp"):
~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
/Library/LaunchAgents
Screenshot of Nbp.app in ~/Library/LaunchAgents:
IMPORTANT NOTE! Nbp.app adds itself to the list of applications that automatically run upon each user log in. Therefore, before commencing, perform these steps:
- Go to System Preferences -> Users & Groups.
- Click your account (also know as Current User).
- Click Login Items.
- Look for "Nbp.app" entry. Select it, and click the "-" button to remove it.
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 Nbp.app?
- STEP 1. Remove Nbp.app related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Nbp.app ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Nbp.app adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Nbp.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Nbp.app adware removal:
Remove Nbp.app-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 Nbp.app cause?
The presence of software like Nbp.app on devices can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Through the redirects generated and/or ads displayed by such software, users can encounter deceptive/malicious content that may cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). It is likely that Nbp.app has data-tracking functionalities, which would classify it as a privacy threat.
What is the purpose of forcing users to visit chillsearch.xyz, nearbyme.io, and similar websites?
Cyber criminals (e.g., developers of browser hijackers, fake search engines, adware, etc.) generate revenue through such redirects.
Is visiting chillsearch.xyz, nearbyme.io, or similar websites a threat to my privacy?
To a certain extent, yes. Websites of this kind usually collect (and sell) visitor data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Nbp.app developers may profit through redirects and other content promotion (e.g., advertisements). Revenue might also be made through the sale of sensitive data. Generally, developers of such software profit via affiliate programs by acquiring (typically illegitimate) commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Nbp.app software?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to scan devices and eliminate all manner of threats. Note that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, various file remnants stay hidden within the system following the software's manual removal. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate unwanted software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion