How to eliminate the ParameterLog adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ParameterLog?
Our researchers discovered the ParameterLog app while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal site. After inspecting this piece of software, we learned that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
ParameterLog adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It generates revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and potentially malicious ads. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, surveys, etc.) is displayed on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
Adware-delivered advertisements primarily promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some of these adverts can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products or services may be encountered through these ads – they are highly unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive advertisement campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether ParameterLog displays ads – its presence on a system remains a threat.
While AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking qualities, we did not observe these traits while investigating ParameterLog.
Furthermore, this rogue app likely has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like ParameterLog on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ParameterLog |
| 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), 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 examined numerous adware samples; VideoProgramRanking, NodeZipArray, RepairEnumerator, and SystemOptimization are merely some of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious. It tends to look legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into downloading/installing the software by a wide variety of functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
Note that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ParameterLog install on my computer?
The bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users mainly access these webpages via redirects generated by websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
Should you keep encountering such advertisements and/or redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ParameterLog, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ParameterLog adware's installation is over:
ParameterLog 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 ParameterLog?
- STEP 1. Remove ParameterLog related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ParameterLog ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ParameterLog adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ParameterLog ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ParameterLog adware using Combo Cleaner:
ParameterLog adware removal:
Remove ParameterLog-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 ads that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Additionally, this software is considered to be a threat to user privacy since it usually collects private information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying adverts on various interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and gather sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ParameterLog adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, various file leftovers remain hidden within the system after (manual) removal. Furthermore, the remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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