Removing LogFormat adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is LogFormat?
While investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal site, our research team discovered the LogFormat adware. This application is part of the AdLoad malware family. LogFormat delivers intrusive ad campaigns and may have other harmful capabilities.
LogFormat adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to feed users with unwanted and potentially malicious ads. This third-party graphical content can be displayed on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
Keep in mind that certain conditions may be necessary for adware to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if LogFormat does not deliver advertisements – its presence on a system remains a threat to device and user safety.
Adverts displayed by adware can endorse various scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that while legitimate products/services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. This promotion is most likely undertaken by scammers motivated to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.
While AdLoad apps often have browser-hijacking functionalities – we did not observe these qualities while testing the LogFormat adware.
What is more, advertising-supported software usually possesses data-tracking abilities, and this might be true of LogFormat. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, finance-related data, and so on. This sensitive information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, software like LogFormat may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by LogFormat |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), 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. |
Adware examples
We have examined numerous adware samples; HelperSignal, ProjectRootEducate, and OpenProcess are just a couple of our latest finds.
Software within this category usually appears legitimate and innocuous. However, its promised functionalities are rarely operational. Yet even if an application or a browser extension works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.
How did LogFormat install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive adverts. Some of the advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to distribute adware as well. Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software before downloading/purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and verified sources. Installation processes have to be approached with caution. Therefore, we advise reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing, as fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep experiencing advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with LogFormat, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once LogFormat adware's installation is over:
LogFormat 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 LogFormat?
- STEP 1. Remove LogFormat related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LogFormat ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LogFormat adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LogFormat ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LogFormat adware using Combo Cleaner:
LogFormat adware removal:
Remove LogFormat-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-displayed advertisements can promote content capable of causing severe issues, such as system infections, financial losses, etc. Additionally, this software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by placing third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces. Some adware types are also capable of force-opening sites and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and other content. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LogFormat adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, various file leftovers stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is paramount.
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