Removal instructions for FunctionBlast adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is FunctionBlast?
We found the FunctionBlast application while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis of this piece of software revealed that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
FunctionBlast adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., display adverts on various interfaces. They promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can make stealthy downloads/installations when clicked on.
It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate content encountered through these ads is most likely promoted by scammers abusing its affiliate programs to acquire commissions fraudulently.
It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software might not deliver advertisements if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether FunctionBlast displays ads or not, its presence endangers device and user safety regardless.
AdLoad adware often has browser-hijacking abilities, and this might apply to FunctionBlast. However, we did not observe such traits during testing.
What is more, this rogue application likely has data tracking functionalities. Advertising-supported software typically collects visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial information, etc. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like FunctionBlast on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by FunctionBlast |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.AdloadTR.1001), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy.gen), 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 countless adware samples; TotalResults, PremiumContinental, and LevelNight are just a couple of our latest finds. This software tends to appear legitimate and offers "handy" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did FunctionBlast install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in adware distribution. Intrusive advertisements proliferate this software as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most users access such pages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Additionally, installation must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplementary apps, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive ads look ordinary and innocuous; however, they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with FunctionBlast, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once FunctionBlast adware's installation is over:
FunctionBlast 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
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Quick menu:
- What is FunctionBlast?
- STEP 1. Remove FunctionBlast related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove FunctionBlast ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove FunctionBlast adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove FunctionBlast ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove FunctionBlast adware using Combo Cleaner:
FunctionBlast adware removal:
Remove FunctionBlast-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 functionalities, which make it a privacy threat. Additionally, adware-displayed adverts promote dangerous content that can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware operates by enabling the placement of various advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. This software may also be capable of causing redirects and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly via affiliate programs by endorsing websites, applications, software, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove FunctionBlast adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - leftover files remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue running and causing problems. Hence, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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