How to eliminate BluelightFurry adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is BluelightFurry?
BluelightFurry is a rogue app that our researchers found while investigating new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this application, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. BluelightFurry operates by running intrusive ad campaigns, and it may also have browser-hijacking and data-tracking functionalities.
BluelightFurry adware overview
Adware is designed to enable the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The ads promote untrustworthy/dangerous sites and software, online scams, and malware. Some intrusive adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
While legitimate products can be encountered through adware-delivered advertisements, they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may need specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if BluelightFurry does not display adverts - its presence endangers device and user safety.
Furthermore, AdLoad adware tends to have browser hijacker qualities. This might apply to BluelightFurry, although we did not observe such traits during testing.
What is more, BluelightFurry likely collects private information. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like BluelightFurry on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by BluelightFurry |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27215), ESET-NOD32 ( A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchpr), 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; QueueBuffer, ProgressBoost, ProgramOpen, and OnlineProgram are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers "useful" and "advantageous" functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did BluelightFurry install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission. Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution.
Advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Most users enter these sites via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, webpages using rogue advertising networks, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified channels. Additionally, when installing, it is crucial to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being vigilant when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless, but they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect this system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with BluelightFurry, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once BluelightFurry adware's installation is over:
BluelightFurry 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 BluelightFurry?
- STEP 1. Remove BluelightFurry related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove BluelightFurry ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove BluelightFurry adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove BluelightFurry ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove BluelightFurry adware using Combo Cleaner:
BluelightFurry adware removal:
Remove BluelightFurry-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 usually has data tracking abilities - therefore, it is deemed to be a privacy threat. Adware-displayed advertisements promote deceptive/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on various interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of force-opening websites and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove BluelightFurry adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants may continue running and causing issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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