Bushbeater.app Adware (Mac)

What kind of application is Bushbeater.app?

While inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered the Bushbeater.app adware. Upon examination, we determined that this rogue application belongs to the Pirrit adware family. Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to generate revenue for developers/publishers through advertising.

Bushbeater.app adware detections on VirusTotal

Bushbeater.app adware overview

Adware runs intrusive ad campaigns, typically by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces. Advertisements of this kind promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

While legitimate products or services may be encountered via adware-delivered adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

However, certain conditions may be required for advertising-supported software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/ system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether Bushbeater.app delivers ads – the application's presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety.

Furthermore, adware-type apps commonly have browser-hijacking abilities, yet we did not observe these traits while investigating Bushbeater.app.

What is more, this application might have data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software. Targeted information may include browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be shared with or sold to third-parties.

In summary, adware like Bushbeater.app is associated with the following threats – system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name	Ads by Bushbeater.app
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-CH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Pirrit.KF), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BP), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), 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 (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. Download Combo Cleaner 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.

Adware examples

We have examined countless adware-type apps; NetworkFormat, Bireme.app, HelperSection, and GeneralProgress are just some of our latest articles. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers useful functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

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

How did Bushbeater.app install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using bundling – a marketing technique that involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. They are primarily accessed via intrusive ads, redirects caused by sites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

Vigilance is essential to ensuring device and user safety. Therefore, always research software prior to downloading or purchasing. Download only from official and trustworthy sources. When installing: read terms, explore option, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of additional apps, extensions, functions, etc.

Be cautious when browsing since the Internet is full of deceptive/malicious content that appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

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

When removing Bushbeater.app, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "Bushbeater.app"):

~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/StartupItems

Pop-up window displayed when Bushbeater.app adware is present on the system:

Pop-up displayed when Bushbeater.app adware is detected on the system

Text presented in this pop-up:

"Bushbeater.app" will damage your computer.

This file was downloaded on an unknown date.

Ok
Show in Finder

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.

Quick menu:

What is Bushbeater.app?
STEP 1. Remove Bushbeater.app related files and folders from OSX.
STEP 2. Remove Bushbeater.app ads from Safari.
STEP 3. Remove Bushbeater.app adware from Google Chrome.
STEP 4. Remove Bushbeater.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.

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

Bushbeater.app adware removal:

Remove Bushbeater.app-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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.

DOWNLOAD remover for malware infections

Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. 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.

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 1 Check 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 2 Check 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 3 Check 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

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4 Check 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 5 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.

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

Remove 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.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

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

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

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 delivers ads promoting content that can cause system infections, privacy issues, and financial loss. The presence of this software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces. Some adware types can also generate redirects and collect private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., sites, software, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove Bushbeater.app adware?

Combo Cleaner can scan devices and remove detected adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) remain hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.