Removal instructions for the Bande.app adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Bande.app?
While inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our researchers found Bande.app. Our analysis of this application revealed that it is adware from the Pirrit malware family. Bande.app is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns.
Bande.app adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., coupons, banners, pop-ups, overlays, surveys, etc.) on visited sites and/or other interfaces.
Note that specific conditions may be required for adware to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if Bande.app does not display ads – its presence on a device remains a threat to system safety and user privacy.
Adware-delivered advertisements can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that while genuine products/services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is performed by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
We have found several Pirrit apps with browser-hijacking qualities in the past – however, Bande.app did not exhibit these functionalities during testing.
Additionally, advertising-supported software usually gathers sensitive data, and this might apply to Bande.app. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so forth. The collected data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like Bande.app on devices may result in system infection, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Bande.app |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-SD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Pirrit.4), ESET-NOD32 (OSX/Adware.Pirrit.CF), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to the Pirrit 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
ActiveQuest, TechBrowser, MethodAnalyzer, NanoBoost, PlatformSample – are just some examples of adware we have analyzed recently.
Software within this category typically appears ordinary and harmless. It can also offer a broad range of functionalities, which are rarely operational. Keep in mind that even if an application or browser extension works as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Bande.app install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspect sources – poses a threat of bundled content infiltrating the system. The risk is compounded by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Some intrusive advertisements are capable of executing scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked. These adverts are also used to proliferate adware.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, and so on.
We also advise vigilance when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive adverts may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Bande.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
When removing Bande.app, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "Bande.app"):
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/StartupItems
Pop-up window displayed when Bande.app adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Bande.app" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on a unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
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 Bande.app?
- STEP 1. Remove Bande.app related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Bande.app ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Bande.app adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Bande.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Bande.app adware removal:
Remove Bande.app-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 displays advertisements that may promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware tends to have data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays third-party graphical content (adverts) on various interfaces, and some types can also force-open webpages and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by promoting various websites, apps, extensions, tools, products, services, and other content. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Bande.app adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and remove installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) stay hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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