Removal instructions for the FeaturePerformance adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is FeaturePerformance?
FeaturePerformance is a piece of rogue software that we discovered while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this app, we learned that it is advertising-supported software (adware). FeaturePerformance is part of the AdLoad malware family.
FeaturePerformance adware overview
Adware aims to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable/deceptive ads. This third-party graphical content is placed on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
Adware-displayed advertisements predominantly endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It must be mentioned that while legitimate products and services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether FeaturePerformance displays advertisements – its presence remains a threat.
AdLoad adware commonly has browser hijacker functionalities; however, this application did not exhibit any during our analysis.
FeaturePerformance likely gathers vulnerable information. Advertising-supported software typically targets the following data: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, software like FeaturePerformance may cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by FeaturePerformance |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), 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), 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
CargoPreview, PoolDen, and UrbanClassic are just a couple examples of adware we have analyzed recently. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers various functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It is noteworthy that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did FeaturePerformance install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed via scam sites. Most visitors to these pages enter them through redirects generated by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Additionally, intrusive adverts spread advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, inspecting available options, and using the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, and so on.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with adverts and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with FeaturePerformance, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once FeaturePerformance adware's installation is over:
FeaturePerformance 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 FeaturePerformance?
- STEP 1. Remove FeaturePerformance related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove FeaturePerformance ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove FeaturePerformance adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove FeaturePerformance ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove FeaturePerformance adware using Combo Cleaner:
FeaturePerformance adware removal:
Remove FeaturePerformance-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. It displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). This software typically has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is also considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Primary functions can include displaying advertisements on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers might earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove FeaturePerformance adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all the adware-type applications present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might not be an ideal solution. Since even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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