How to remove MajorBuffer adware from Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is MajorBuffer?
While inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal website, our researchers found the MajorBuffer application. After examining it, we determined that this app is adware (advertising-supported software) from the AdLoad malware family.
MajorBuffer adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. Typically, this software displays third-party graphical content (adverts) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
However, adware might require certain conditions to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Yet even if MajorBuffer does not deliver advertisements – it threatens device integrity and user privacy.
Adware-displayed ads can promote various scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and malware. Some can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Many AdLoad adware-type apps also function as browser hijackers – however, we did not observe abilities of this kind during our analysis of MajorBuffer.
Advertising-supported software usually gathers vulnerable user data, and the application in question might have such data-tracking functionalities as well.
Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, software like MajorBuffer is linked to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by MajorBuffer |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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
CommonFunction, DynamicSector, and OpticalNavigation are merely a few of our newest articles on Mac-targeting adware. Usually, software within this classification appears legitimate and harmless. Adware may offer a wide variety of useful functions, which rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.
How did MajorBuffer install on my computer?
Adware is spread using the bundling marketing technique, which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions.
These setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other dubious sources. The risk is furthered by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps or sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. They are most commonly accessed via redirects caused by intrusive ads, sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive advertisements directly as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing. We recommend obtaining software and other content only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
We advise vigilance when browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look ordinary and innocuous – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MajorBuffer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once MajorBuffer adware's installation is over:
MajorBuffer 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 MajorBuffer?
- STEP 1. Remove MajorBuffer related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MajorBuffer ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MajorBuffer adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MajorBuffer ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
MajorBuffer adware removal:
Remove MajorBuffer-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 promoting content that can cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The software itself can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, adware is considered a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on visited websites or other interfaces. Some adware types are also capable of generating redirects and gathering vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MajorBuffer adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan devices and remove all adware-type apps that are present. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, adware and other unwanted software must be eliminated thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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