How to uninstall PrimaryBalance adware from Mac

What kind of application is PrimaryBalance?

While inspecting new file submissions to the VirusTotal site, our researchers discovered the PrimaryBalance adware. This application belongs to the AdLoad malware family. PrimaryBalance is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.

PrimaryBalance adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Typically, it displays advertisements on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. However, certain conditions may be required for advertising-supported software to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc.). Regardless of whether PrimaryBalance delivers ads – its presence on a system threatens device/user safety.

Adware-displayed adverts can promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

AdLoad applications may possess browser-hijacking functionalities, yet we did not observe these qualities while analyzing PrimaryBalance.

Usually, advertising-supported software has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to PrimaryBalance. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of software like PrimaryBalance on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by PrimaryBalance
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.Generic.3180750), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware examples

We have investigated numerous adware-type applications; DiscoveryUniverse, ExecutiveSection, FeedNames, and PrimaryAnalog are merely some of our latest articles.

Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Users can be enticed into downloading/installing by promising "handy" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software functions as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did PrimaryBalance install on my computer?

Adware can be packed together with regular programs ("bundling"). Pre-packed installation setups can be downloaded from untrustworthy sources, such as freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, P2P sharing networks, and so on. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Additionally, adware is endorsed on genuine-looking promotional webpages and scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permissions.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing. We recommend downloading only from official and verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.

We also advise vigilance when browsing since the Internet is full of well-disguised fraudulent and dangerous content. For example, while intrusive adverts may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PrimaryBalance, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once PrimaryBalance adware's installation is over:

PrimaryBalance 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 PrimaryBalance?
• STEP 1. Remove PrimaryBalance related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove PrimaryBalance ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove PrimaryBalance adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove PrimaryBalance ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

PrimaryBalance adware removal:

Remove PrimaryBalance-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 can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It delivers advertisements promoting content that can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware is considered a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. Some adware types can also force-open sites and gather private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., sites, apps, extensions, products, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove PrimaryBalance adware?

Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Remember that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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