How to remove the PrimaryServiceSearch adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is PrimaryServiceSearch?
After investigating a fake Adobe Flash Player installer, we discovered the PrimaryServiceSearch rogue application. This app that was within the installer operated as adware on our test machine. It is noteworthy that PrimaryServiceSearch is part of the AdLoad malware family.
PrimaryServiceSearch adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The delivered ads promote various scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate content can be encountered through these ads, it is highly unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by its developers. Scammers often abuse affiliate programs of genuine products in order to acquire illegitimate commissions for the promotion.
Adware might not run intrusive advert campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., incompatible browser/system specs, specific websites are not visited, etc. However, regardless of whether PrimaryServiceSearch displays advertisements – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety.
AdLoad apps typically have browser hijacker abilities, and this might apply to PrimaryServiceSearch. Although during our analysis, this application did not exhibit any such traits.
Furthermore, PrimaryServiceSearch likely has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, finance-related data, and so on. This sensitive information can be monetized by being sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like PrimaryServiceSearch on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by PrimaryServiceSearch |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.24), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adloa), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.k), 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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed countless adware-type applications; DigitalSection, FractionControl, AdvancedHelper, and TrackAnalyser are merely some examples. This software usually appears legitimate/harmless and offers various features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly non-operational.
How did PrimaryServiceSearch install on my computer?
PrimaryServiceSearch was installed on our test system by a fake Adobe Flash Player installer. Typically, deceptive or bundled installation set-ups are proliferated via online scams and dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.).
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users enter these pages through websites that use rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate this software as well. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, inspect available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
We also advise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears ordinary and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements/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 PrimaryServiceSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the PrimaryServiceSearch adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.PrimaryServiceSearch/PrimaryServiceSearch
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.PrimaryServiceSearchDaemon/PrimaryServiceSearch
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.PrimaryServiceSearch.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.PrimaryServiceSearchDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote websites are designed to create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:
1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar (Dock) and select "Profiles".
2) Locate all suspicious profiles and delete them.
3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.
After performing these actions, you can proceed with further removal steps for PrimaryServiceSearch.
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 PrimaryServiceSearch?
- STEP 1. Remove PrimaryServiceSearch related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PrimaryServiceSearch ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PrimaryServiceSearch adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PrimaryServiceSearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PrimaryServiceSearch adware using Combo Cleaner:
PrimaryServiceSearch adware removal:
Remove PrimaryServiceSearch-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software usually has data-tracking abilities - hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy. Furthermore, adware delivers ads that promote hazardous material, which can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces. Additionally, some types can cause redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the revenue is made through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, etc. Adware developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PrimaryServiceSearch adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed - various components (files) remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, adware must be removed thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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