Removal instructions for the BinaryCharacterSearch adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is BinaryCharacterSearch?
While browsing new submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our research team discovered the BinaryCharacterSearch adware. It is part of the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.
BinaryCharacterSearch adware overview
Typically, adware operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, banners, etc.) on various interfaces. These advertisements are far more than a mere annoyance, as they commonly promote deceptive and malicious material. They can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware.
When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations. Keep in mind that any genuine products or services encountered through these adverts are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to work as intended, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. Regardless of whether BinaryCharacterSearch displays advertisements – it threatens device integrity and user safety.
AdLoad adware-type apps often exhibit browser-hijacking capabilities – however, BinaryCharacterSearch did not modify browsers in this manner on our testing system.
Furthermore, BinaryCharacterSearch likely possesses data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for adware. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, advertising-supported software is associated with system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by BinaryCharacterSearch |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.14), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adlo), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Agent.ad), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to the 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
Stringent.app, Dem.app, and Germanize.app are merely a couple of our latest articles on adware. This software usually appears ordinary and innocuous. It can offer a broad range of "useful" features. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension operates as detailed by its promotional material – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.
How did BinaryCharacterSearch install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing technique, which involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions.
The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from suspicious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by approaching installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to carry out downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy channels. When installing, we recommend inspecting terms and options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements/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 BinaryCharacterSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the BinaryCharacterSearch adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.BinaryCharacterSearch/BinaryCharacterSearch
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.BinaryCharacterSearchDaemon/BinaryCharacterSearch
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.BinaryCharacterSearch.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.BinaryCharacterSearchDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps can create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:
1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar (Dock) and select "Profiles".
2) Locate all suspicious profiles and delete them.
3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.
After performing these actions, you can proceed with further removal steps for this adware.
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 BinaryCharacterSearch?
- STEP 1. Remove BinaryCharacterSearch related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove BinaryCharacterSearch ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove BinaryCharacterSearch adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove BinaryCharacterSearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
BinaryCharacterSearch adware removal:
Remove BinaryCharacterSearch-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-displayed advertisements promote content that may cause severe issues, such as system infections, financial losses, etc. The presence of advertising-supported software on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware is considered to be a privacy threat since it typically has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware places third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites or other interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and collect sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion. Its developers/publishers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove BinaryCharacterSearch adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all kinds of threats. It is capable of removing detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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