How to remove the BinaryInitiator adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is BinaryInitiator?
Our research team discovered the BinaryInitiator adware while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. This application is part of the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns.
BinaryInitiator adware overview
Adware typically operates by displaying ads on various interfaces (e.g., visited websites, desktops, etc.). This third-party graphical content endorses online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and even malware. Some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to deliver intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Yet even if BinaryInitiator does not display advertisements – it threatens device/user safety.
AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking capabilities; however, we did not observe these qualities while analyzing BinaryInitiator.
Additionally, this rogue app likely has data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for adware. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like BinaryInitiator on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by BinaryInitiator |
| 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 examined thousands of adware samples; OptimizerGrid, UpgradeDivision, InputSync, and CentralHint are merely a few of our latest articles on this software. It usually appears ordinary and harmless. Users can be enticed to download/install adware by promises of useful functions. However, they seldom operate as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be emphasized that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did BinaryInitiator install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to proliferate adware. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Adware is also pushed by legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites. Most visitors access these webpages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive adverts as well. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is paramount to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
We also advise vigilance when browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may seem innocuous – yet they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, 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 BinaryInitiator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once BinaryInitiator adware's installation is over:
BinaryInitiator 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
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Quick menu:
- What is BinaryInitiator?
- STEP 1. Remove BinaryInitiator related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove BinaryInitiator ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove BinaryInitiator adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove BinaryInitiator ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove BinaryInitiator adware using Combo Cleaner:
BinaryInitiator adware removal:
Remove BinaryInitiator-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?
Ads delivered by adware endorse content capable of causing severe issues, such as system infections, financial losses, etc. The presence of this software on the device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Furthermore, advertising-supported software is deemed to be a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Profit is made through content promotion. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar. The majority of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove BinaryInitiator adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type apps that are installed. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. The remaining components can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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