How to remove FractionElement adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is FractionElement?
FractionElement is a piece of rogue software that our researchers found while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this application, we determined that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware) and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
FractionElement adware overview
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software displays ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
These adverts endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It has to be mentioned that while legitimate content can be encountered through these ads - it is unlikely to be promoted by the actual creators/developers. Instead, scammers who seek to acquire illegitimate commissions abuse the affiliate programs of genuine products and use intrusive ads or other deceptive methods to promote them.
Advertising-supported software requires specific conditions (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.) to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. However, regardless of whether FractionElement displays adverts - its presence threatens device/user safety.
Furthermore, this app might have browser hijacker qualities, as they are common for AdLoad adware. However, FractionElement did not exhibit any during testing.
What is more, it is likely to have data-tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software typically collects browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like FractionElement on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by FractionElement |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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 thousands of adware-type applications; ArchievesOriginal, CrownVanirty, and AdminPerformance are merely a few examples. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers "useful" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did FractionElement install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing method - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well. Additionally, intrusive advertisements proliferate adware. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is spread through scam websites. Most users enter these sites via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since illegitimate and malicious material typically appears ordinary/harmless. For example, intrusive adverts look innocuous, yet they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with FractionElement, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once FractionElement adware's installation is over:
FractionElement 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 FractionElement?
- STEP 1. Remove FractionElement related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove FractionElement ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove FractionElement adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove FractionElement ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove FractionElement adware using Combo Cleaner:
FractionElement adware removal:
Remove FractionElement-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 displays advertisements promoting deceptive and malicious content that can cause severe issues like system infections, financial losses, etc. This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, it usually has data-tracking functionalities - therefore, it is classified as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., display ads on various interfaces). Some types can also force-open websites and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content. Profit can come as commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove FractionElement adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed - various files stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion