Removing the FunctionLog adware-type application from your Mac

What kind of application is FunctionLog?

Our researchers found FunctionLog while checking out new submissions to the VirusTotal site. It is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family. FunctionLog is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns.

FunctionLog adware overview

Adware generates revenue for its developers through advertising. This software typically operates by placing third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces.

Not only can adware decrease browsing quality and system performance, but the adverts that it displays commonly promote untrustworthy, harmful, and even malicious content. Some of the advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

It is pertinent to mention that any genuine products/services encountered via these ads are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system specs or user geolocation are incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Yet even if FunctionLog does not deliver advertisements – this app endangers device integrity and user privacy.

We have found many AdLoad applications with browser-hijacking capabilities in the past – however, FunctionLog did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.

This adware-type app might have data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for adware. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. This vulnerable data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by FunctionLog
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), 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

BinaryInitiator, OptimizerGrid, UpgradeDivision, and InputSync are merely some examples of adware-type applications that we have examined recently. This software usually appears harmless 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 app or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did FunctionLog install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with regular programs. The threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Adware is also endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam websites. They can be accessed via redirects generated by intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, sites that utilize rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is important to research software and download it only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, investigating available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.

Fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears ordinary and innocuous – therefore, we strongly advise caution when browsing. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications on browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with FunctionLog, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove FunctionLog adware using Combo Cleaner:

FunctionLog adware removal:

Remove FunctionLog-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-displayed advertisements promote harmful content that may cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware is deemed to be a threat to user privacy, as it typically has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. As the classification implies, it generates revenue through advertising. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and gathering vulnerable information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit by endorsing various websites, apps, extensions, tools, products, services, and other content. Most of the revenue comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove FunctionLog adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and remove installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the software has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) remain hidden within the system. The remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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