How to eliminate the LogicalTool adware-type application

What kind of application is LogicalTool?

While investigating file submissions to the VirusTotal site, our research team found the LogicalTool app. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. LogicalTool belongs to the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software feeds users with undesirable and potentially harmful advertisements.

LogicalTool adware overview

Adware is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. This software can display advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, banners, etc.) on visited webpages and/or other interfaces.

Certain conditions may be required for adware to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to specific websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether LogicalTool delivers adverts – its presence on a system threatens device/user safety.

The ads displayed by adware commonly promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Note that while legitimate content may be encountered via these adverts – it is unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the promoted content's affiliate programs.

We have found many AdLoad applications with browser-hijacking abilities – however, LogicalTool did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.

Additionally, this adware-type app likely has data-tracking functionalities. Advertising-supported software usually targets the following information: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, the presence of software like LogicalTool on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by LogicalTool
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.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware examples

ValidNatural, DefaultConfig, Repiningly.app, TaskNames, SyncedWindow, and FindWebResults are just some examples of adware we have investigated recently. Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and harmless.

Furthermore, adware may offer a wide variety of handy features. These functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Keep in mind that even if an app or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.

How did LogicalTool install on my computer?

Adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam sites. Most users enter these webpages through redirects generated by misspelled URLs, websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other dubious sources – carries a risk of bundled content infiltrating the system. This threat is compounded by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Intrusive adverts spread adware as well. Some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations – upon being clicked.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and trustworthy channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution. Therefore, we advise reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).

If you keep encountering advertisements/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications on browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with LogicalTool, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once LogicalTool adware's installation is over:

LogicalTool 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 LogicalTool?
• STEP 1. Remove LogicalTool related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove LogicalTool ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove LogicalTool adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove LogicalTool ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove LogicalTool adware using Combo Cleaner:

LogicalTool adware removal:

Remove LogicalTool-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-delivered advertisements promote content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some adware types can also generate redirects and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., sites, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove LogicalTool adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type apps that are installed. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, various components (files) stay hidden within the system after the software has been manually removed. These remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.

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