Removing MemoryFunction adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is MemoryFunction?
MemoryFunction is a rogue app that we found while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis of the application revealed that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware) and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
MemoryFunction adware overview
Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. The ads promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can make downloads/installations without user consent - upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific sites, etc.). However, whether MemoryFunction delivers adverts is irrelevant since its presence on a system endangers device/user safety regardless.
Furthermore, MemoryFunction might have browser hijacker qualities as they are standard for AdLoad adware, although this app did not exhibit any during testing.
What is more, MemoryFunction likely has data tracking functionalities. Targeted information can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, financial/banking data, and so forth. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like MemoryFunction on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by MemoryFunction |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), 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), 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
IndexerSource, WheelInstant, ExpressionCargo, DockModule, AdvanceServices - are merely some examples of the adware-type applications that we have analyzed recently. Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers "useful" functionalities. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did MemoryFunction install on my computer?
Adware is promoted through its "official" download webpages and scam sites. Most users enter these pages through redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated through fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers. It can also be bundled with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps and sections, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements distribute adware as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Additionally, it is important to approach installation processes with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
We also advise browsing with caution - since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts and/or redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MemoryFunction, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once MemoryFunction adware's installation is over:
MemoryFunction 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 MemoryFunction?
- STEP 1. Remove MemoryFunction related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MemoryFunction ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MemoryFunction adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MemoryFunction ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove MemoryFunction adware using Combo Cleaner:
MemoryFunction adware removal:
Remove MemoryFunction-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software typically has data tracking abilities, which make it a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-delivered advertisements endorse dangerous content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. It may also be capable of force-opening sites and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, etc. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MemoryFunction adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, despite the adware itself having been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay within the system. What is more, the remaining components may continue running and causing problems. Hence, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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