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How to remove Primates unwanted app from your computer

Also Known As: Primates harmful extension
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Primates?

In our evaluation of the Primates browser extension, we discovered worrisome activities, including the activation of the "Managed by your organization" feature in Chrome browsers, manipulation of specific browser elements, and the collection of data. Our encounter with Primates occurred during an investigation of a harmful installer downloaded from an unreliable page.

Primates unwanted application

Primates in detail

Upon adding Primates to a web browser and granting it permissions, the extension acquires the ability to access and modify user data on all websites, as well as to manage applications, extensions, and browser themes. These capabilities raise concerns about unauthorized data access, manipulation, and security vulnerabilities.

Given the extension's capacity to access and alter user data across all websites, it has the potential to observe and gather personal information, including login details, private messages, and browsing history, and more. This presents a substantial risk of data theft and invasion of privacy.

The ability of Primates to modify user data may result in undesired alterations in the content displayed on websites, potentially affecting information, advertisements, and other site elements. Moreover, the extension's control over apps and extensions creates the possibility of interference with the proper functioning of legitimate browser extensions or the installation of malicious ones without the user's knowledge.

Having control over browser themes has the potential to bring about unwelcome alterations to the browser's look and functionality, which could prove bothersome or perplexing for users. Furthermore, our investigation revealed that the Primates installer comes bundled with additional unwanted software components, such as the Chromstera web browser.

It is crucial to emphasize that applications like Primates may be bundled with adware, browser hijackers, and other potentially harmful software, and in some cases, even malware like ransomware, Trojans, cryptocurrency miners, etc.

Threat Summary:
Name Primates harmful extension
Threat Type Unwanted application, Malicious extension
Detection Names Antiy-AVL (Trojan/Win32.Agentb), Google (Detected), Gridinsoft (PUP.WaveBrowser.dg!c), Zillya (Downloader.Banload.Win32.103708), Full List (VirusTotal)
Symptoms Your computer becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods Deceptive pages, malicious installers, dubious 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 (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
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To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Conclusion

In summary, Primates gives rise to substantial concerns related to user privacy and security. Its wide-reaching access to and manipulation of user data across various websites and its association with additional unwanted software highlights the importance of exercising caution when dealing with such browser extensions.

More examples apps similar to Primates include GallusGallus, GypsophilaPaniculata, and PterygotusAnglicus.

How did Primates install on my computer?

Primates app is disseminated via a malicious installer typically discovered on unreliable websites. Adhering to the directives of this installer leads to the installation of both Primates and Chromstera. Additionally, clicking on misleading pop-ups, advertisements, or links can initiate the installation of undesired applications.

Furthermore, users may come across applications akin to Primates on unofficial app stores, free file hosting websites, third-party downloaders, torrent websites, webpages prompting them to download counterfeit software updates, websites offering YouTube video downloads, and comparable sources.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Only download software from reliable sources like official websites or well-known app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store. Avoid unverified or questionable websites. Refrain from clicking on suspicious pop-ups, ads, or links, especially those that promise free software or suggest your system or installed software needs an update.

Before installing software, review user feedback to ensure its trustworthiness. When proceeding with the installation, consider selecting "Advanced," "Custom", or analogous settings to reject any additional applications that may come bundled with the software. Be attentive to checkboxes during the installation process.

If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Deceptive website promoting the Primates extension:

Deceptive website promoting the Primates extension

The description page of Primates app:

The description page of Primates app

Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner 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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Unwanted software removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

Primates unwanted extension uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove unwanted apps from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove unwanted browser add-ons:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Primates unwanted extension from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Primates" and other suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing Primates unwanted extension from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the primates harmful extension, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Primates unwanted extension from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), 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".

Removing Primates unwanted extension from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with primates harmful extension removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the primates harmful extension, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on primates harmful extension or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can Primates cause?

Primates can cause various harm, including compromised privacy through unauthorized data access, increased security vulnerabilities, and a worsened browsing experience due to potential unwanted alterations to browser settings. This extension's association with additional unwanted software also raises concerns about further system disruptions.

What does Primates do?

Primates possesses the ability to modify browser settings, including the addition of the "Managed by your organization" feature. Additionally, it can access and manipulate user data across all websites, manage applications, and control browser themes.

How do Primates developers generate revenue?

The developers of Primates can potentially monetize user data by collecting and selling personal information to third parties for targeted advertising or other purposes. Also, they could profit through affiliate marketing by promoting products or services within the extension.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Primates?

Depending solely on manual removal might not completely resolve the problem, as concealed files could linger, permitting portions of the software to persist. Combo Cleaner scans and efficiently removes unwanted applications, including apps like Primates.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Primates harmful extension QR code
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