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How to uninstall the BrowserBuffer adware from your operating system?

Also Known As: Ads by BrowserBuffer
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is BrowserBuffer?

BrowserBuffer is a rogue app categorized as adware. It also has browser hijacker qualities. Following successful installation, this piece of software runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and promotes fake search engines through modifications to browser settings. Additionally, BrowserBuffer has data tracking abilities.

Since most users download/install adware and browser hijackers inadvertently, they are classified as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). Fake Adobe Flash Player updates are commonly used to distribute software like BrowserBuffer. It is noteworthy that fraudulent updaters/installers proliferate not only PUAs but malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.) as well.

BrowserBuffer adware

BrowserBuffer adware in detail

Adware enables the placement of third-party graphic content on any visited websites and/or different interfaces. The displayed ads can be pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons, and so forth. They seriously diminish the browsing experience by overlaying webpage content and slowing down the browsing speed.

Furthermore, intrusive adverts pose a threat to device and user safety. These advertisements endorse sale-oriented, unreliable, deceptive/scam, and malicious sites. Some intrusive ads can even be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts designed to download/install software (e.g., PUAs) stealthily.

Browser hijackers assign browsers' homepage, new tab/window, and default search engine URLs - to fake web searcher addresses. Hence, with such a piece of software installed: every new tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address.

Fake search engines are seldom able to generate search results, so they redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google, and other genuine ones. Browser hijackers can also restrict or deny access to the browser settings. Alternatively, they ensure persistence by resetting any changes users try to make to their browsers. Therefore, recovering a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it.

What is more, like most PUAs, BrowserBuffer can track data. Information of interest includes: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses/ geolocations, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. To ensure device integrity and user privacy, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by BrowserBuffer
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Generic.22942), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information This application belongs to 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), fake Flash Player installers, 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 in general

SorimbrsecTopProcesser, and CharacterSearch are a few examples of apps within the adware category. They appear ordinary and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation with offers of various "handy" functionalities. However, the features are typically nonoperational.

Nearly all PUAs use nonexistent functions as bait. The sole purpose of unwanted software is to generate revenue at user expense. Therefore, instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can run intrusive advertisement campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers, and collect private and vulnerable information.

How did BrowserBuffer install on my computer?

PUAs can be downloaded/installed together with other programs. This deceptive marketing technique of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is called "bundling". Rushed download/installations processes (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, etc.) increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.

Intrusive advertisements are used to proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission. Some PUAs may also have "official" promotional webpages from which they can be downloaded.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is recommended to research software before download/installation. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer harmful content.

When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from additional apps, tools, features, etc. Intrusive advertisements appear legitimate; however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so on).

In case of encounters with adverts and/or redirects of this kind, the device must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with BrowserBuffer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once BrowserBuffer installation is complete

BrowserBuffer adware's installation folder:

BrowserBuffer adware install folder

BrowserBuffer adware installed onto the Safari browser:

BrowserBuffer adware installed onto Safari

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:

Video showing how to remove BrowserBuffer adware using Combo Cleaner:

BrowserBuffer adware removal:

Remove BrowserBuffer-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac browser hijacker removal from 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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

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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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Removal Instructions in other languages
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

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