How to eliminate FunctionValue adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is FunctionValue?
FunctionValue is an adware-type application discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal site. This app is part of the AdLoad malware family. FunctionValue is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, and it may have additional harmful functionalities.
FunctionValue adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The advertisements predominantly promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive ads can even perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It must be mentioned that while legitimate products and services may be encountered through these adverts – they are highly unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is performed by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to deliver intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific websites, etc.). Regardless of whether FunctionValue displays advertisements – its presence remains a threat.
Furthermore, this application might have browser-hijacking abilities, as they are standard for AdLoad adware. However, it did not exhibit any such traits during testing.
What is more, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to FunctionValue. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The collected information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like FunctionValue on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by FunctionValue |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.4), 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
EnginePro, ExecutiveActivity, and CommonHandler are merely a few examples of adware we have analyzed recently. This software typically appears ordinary and harmless. It also offers a wide variety of handy and advantageous functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did FunctionValue install on my computer?
Adware may have "official" promotional webpages, and it is commonly endorsed on scam sites. The majority of visitors access such pages via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute advertising-supported software as well. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive adverts also proliferate adware. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. Additionally, installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
We also advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look ordinary/harmless – yet they redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
Should you keep encountering such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with FunctionValue, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once FunctionValue adware's installation is over:
FunctionValue 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 FunctionValue?
- STEP 1. Remove FunctionValue related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove FunctionValue ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove FunctionValue adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove FunctionValue ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove FunctionValue adware using Combo Cleaner:
FunctionValue adware removal:
Remove FunctionValue-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 that endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Its presence on a device can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software usually has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is classified as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces. Additionally, some types can generate redirects and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove FunctionValue adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) remain hidden within the system. The remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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