How to remove PrimaryProcesser adware for Mac OS X

Easy methods to delete PrimaryProcesser

PrimaryProcesser is classified as an adware that not only generate ads but also promote fake search engine by altering certain browser settings. In most of cases, this potentially unwanted apps manage to access to a device during installation of any freeware program from third party sites. Users download and install apps of this type unintentionally. Besides this, they collect users browsing related data and other information as well. Continually, apps like this generate adverts like as coupons, pop-ups, banners etc.

Very often those ads are designed to open unreliable or possibly malicious websites or even download or install PUAs by running malicious scripts. Despite this, this app also changes installed browser settings in order to promote fake search engine. Usually, hijacker modifies settings such as default search engine, homepage and new tab. It is also mentioned that users do not revert changes made by browser hijacker unless and until PrimaryProcesser is installed on a browser or the system.

Moreover, both browser hijackers and adware type apps are designed to collect browsing data such as IP addresses, pages viewed, entered search queries, and other information related to the users browsing habits. Furthermore, the collected data could be monetized by their developers, it could be shared with third parties or misused to generate revenue. Thus, presence of data tracking content on system causes data, financial loss, serious privacy issues, installation of other malware and other problems.

Distribution of PrimaryProcesser:

• Fake software updates: If you are using pirated or cracked software in your machine then you might gets lots of malicious infections.
• Email spam messages: It can come in your computer from malicious email messages which contain infected attachment or download link.
• Downloaded media files: If you are downloaded movies, music and other files into your system from infected sources then you might get lots of junk files and viruses.
• Freeware or shareware: It can get install into your PC from bundles of free software packages which you have downloaded from internet.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted programs?

The key to computer safety is carefulness therefore you must always pay close attention while downloading and installing any software as well as browsing internet. Advertisements on dubious pages should not be clicked, as those ads are designed to promote trustworthy or even distribute unwanted apps. Further, software should be downloaded from official pages and via direct links.

Other download channels like third party installer, unofficial pages, free file hosting sites etc should not be used since developers monetize them by promoting rogue software. To keep Mac OS safe and secure from further more damage you are kindly advised to remove PrimaryProcesser and all infiltrated adware as soon as possible from the computer.

Quick Glance

Name: PrimaryProcesser

Type: Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus, Adware

Symptoms: Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, and you get redirected to shady websites.

Distribution methods: Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads.

Damage: Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information.

Removal: Both manual as well as automatic guidelines have been prescribed below under this article.

Remove Files and Folders Related to PrimaryProcesser

Open the “Menu” bar and click the “Finder” icon. Select “Go” and click on “Go to Folder…”

Step 1: Search the suspicious and doubtful malware generated files in /Library/LaunchAgents folder

Type /Library/LaunchAgents in the “Go to Folder” option

In the “Launch Agent” folder, search for all the files that you have recently downloaded and move them to “Trash”. Few of the examples of files created by browser-hijacker or adware are as follow, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.Itvbit.plist”, installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, and “kuklorest.update.plist” and so on.

Step 2: Detect and remove the files generated by the adware in “/Library/Application” Support folder

In the “Go to Folder..bar”, type “/Library/Application Support”

Search for any suspicious newly added folders in “Application Support” folder. If you detect any one of these like “NicePlayer” or “MPlayerX” then send them to “Trash” folder.

Step 3: Look for the files generated by malware in /Library/LaunchAgent Folder:

Go to Folder bar and type /Library/LaunchAgents

You are in the “LaunchAgents” folder. Here, you have to search for all the newly added files and move them to “Trash” if you find them suspicious. Some of the examples of suspicious files generated by malware are “myppes.download.plist”, “installmac.AppRemoved.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist” and so on.

Step4: Go to /Library/LaunchDaemons Folder and search for the files created by malware

Type /Library/LaunchDaemons in the “Go To Folder” option

In the newly opened “LaunchDaemons” folder, search for any recently added suspicious files and move them to “Trash”. Examples of some of the suspicious files are “com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preference.plist”, “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist” and so on.

Step 5: Use Combo Cleaner Anti-Malware and Scan your Mac PC

The malware infections could be removed from the Mac PC if you execute all the steps mentioned above in the correct way. However, it is always advised to be sure that your PC is not infected. It is suggested to scan the work-station with “Combo Cleaner Anti-virus”.

Once the file gets downloaded, double click on combocleaner.dmg installer in the newly opened window. Next is to open the “Launchpad” and press on “Combo Cleaner” icon. It is advised to wait until “Combo Cleaner” updates the latest definition for malware detection. Click on “Start Combo Scan” button.

A depth scan of your Mac PC will be executed in order to detect malware. If the Anti-virus scan report says “no threat found” then you can continue with guide further. On the other hand, it is recommended to delete the detected malware infection before continuing.

Now the files and folders created by the adware is removed, you have to remove the rogue extensions from the browsers.

Remove PrimaryProcesser from Internet Browsers

Delete Doubtful and Malicious Extension from Safari

Go to “Menu Bar” and open “Safari” browser. Select “Safari” and then “Preferences”

In the opened “preferences” window, select “Extensions” that you have recently installed. All such extensions should be detected and click the “Uninstall” button next to it. If you are doubtful then you can remove all the extensions from “Safari” browser as none of them are important for smooth functionality of the browser.

In case if you continue facing unwanted webpage redirections or aggressive advertisements bombarding, you can reset the “Safari” browser.

“Reset Safari”

Open the Safari menu and choose “preferences…” from the drop-down menu.

Go to the “Extension” tab and set the extension slider to “Off” position. This disables all the installed extensions in the Safari browser

Next step is to check the homepage. Go to “Preferences…” option and choose “General” tab. Change the homepage to your preferred URL.

Also check the default search-engine provider settings. Go to “Preferences…” window and select the “Search” tab and select the search-engine provider that you want such as “Google”.

Next is to clear the Safari browser Cache- Go to “Preferences…” window and select “Advanced” tab and click on “Show develop menu in the menu bar.“

Go to “Develop” menu and select “Empty Caches”.

Remove website data and browsing history. Go to “Safari” menu and select “Clear History and Website Data”. Choose “all history” and then click on “Clear History”.

Remove Unwanted and Malicious Plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox

Delete PrimaryProcesser add-ons from Mozilla Firefox

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser. Click on the “Open Menu” present in the top right corner of the screen. From the newly opened menu, choose “Add-ons”.

Go to “Extension” option and detect all the latest installed add-ons. Select each of the suspicious add-ons and click on “Remove” button next to them.

In case if you want to “reset” the Mozilla Firefox browser then follow the steps that has been mentioned below.

Reset Mozilla Firefox Settings

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser and click on “Firefox” button situated at the top left corner of the screen.

In the new menu, go to “Help” sub-menu and choose “Troubleshooting Information”

In the “Troubleshooting Information” page, click on “Reset Firefox” button.

Confirm that you want to reset the Mozilla Firefox settings to default by pressing on “Reset Firefox” option

The browser will get restarted and the settings changes to factory default

Delete Unwanted and Malicious Extensions from Google Chrome

Open the chrome browser and click on “Chrome menu”. From the drop down option, choose “More Tools” and then “Extensions”.

In the “Extensions” option, search for all the recently installed add-ons and extensions. Select them and choose “Trash” button. Any third-party extension is not important for the smooth functionality of the browser.

Reset Google Chrome Settings

Open the browser and click on three line bar at the top right side corner of the window.

Go to the bottom of the newly opened window and select “Show advanced settings”.

In the newly opened window, scroll down to the bottom and choose “Reset browser settings”

Click on the “Reset” button on the opened “Reset browser settings” window

Restart the browser and the changes you get will be applied

The above mentioned manual process should be executed as it is mentioned. It is a cumbersome process and requires a lot of technical expertise. And hence it is advised for technical experts only. To be sure that your PC is free from malware, it is better that you scan the work-station with a powerful anti-malware tool. The automatic malware removal application is preferred because it doesn’t requires any additional technical skills and expertise.

Download the application and execute it on the PC to begin the depth scanning. Once the scanning gets completed, it shows the list of all the files related to PrimaryProcesser. You can select such harmful files and folders and remove them immediately.