How to eliminate the FunctionNetwork adware from your Mac

What kind of application is FunctionNetwork?

FunctionNetwork is a rogue app discovered by our researchers during a routine investigation of new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon inspection, we determined that FunctionNetwork is adware from the AdLoad malware family. It operates by generating revenue for its developers through advertising.

FunctionNetwork adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically operates by placing third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, banners, and other ads) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.

It is pertinent to mention that this software might not deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether FunctionNetwork displays adverts – this app endangers device and user safety.

Adware-displayed ads can endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and malware. When clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Note that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely promoted by scammers seeking to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing its affiliate programs.

AdLoad adware-type applications commonly have browser-hijacking qualities – however, FunctionNetwork did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.

Additionally, FunctionNetwork likely collects vulnerable information, as data-tracking abilities are standard for advertising-supported software. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, the presence of adware like FunctionNetwork on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by FunctionNetwork
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.4), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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), 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 examples

LogFormat, HelperSignal, and OpenProcess are just a couple examples of adware we have analyzed recently. Software within this classification seldom appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and harmless.

Users may be tricked into downloading/installing by promises of various handy functionalities. These functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. Keep in mind that even if an app or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not guarantee legitimacy or safety.

How did FunctionNetwork install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using the "bundling" marketing technique, which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions.

Downloading from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspicious sources – poses a threat of bundled content infiltrating the system. The infiltration risk is compounded by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

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

Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is important to research software before downloading or purchasing. All downloads must be made from official and verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so on.

We also advise vigilance while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).

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

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

FunctionNetwork adware's installation folder:

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 FunctionNetwork?
• STEP 1. Remove FunctionNetwork related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove FunctionNetwork ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove FunctionNetwork adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove FunctionNetwork ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove FunctionNetwork adware using Combo Cleaner:

FunctionNetwork adware removal:

Remove FunctionNetwork-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. Significant threats are posed by the content endorsed through adware-displayed advertisements (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). This software usually has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to feed users with undesirable and potentially dangerous ads. This third-party graphical content can be displayed on various interfaces. Some adware types can also generate redirects and collect sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., sites, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove FunctionNetwork adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. These components may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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