Removal instructions for the OpenFunction adware-type application

What kind of application is OpenFunction?

Our research team found the OpenFunction application during a routine review of new submissions to the VirusTotal site. Upon inspection, we learned that it is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family. OpenFunction is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns, and it may have other hazardous abilities.

OpenFunction adware overview

Adware delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns. It displays third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces. These advertisements can promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

While genuine products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. This endorsement is most likely undertaken by scammers motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the promoted content's affiliate programs.

Software within this classification might not operate as intended if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, particular websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Yet even if OpenFunction does not deliver advertisements – its presence on a system threatens device and user safety.

AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe these traits while testing OpenFunction.

What is more, OpenFunction likely has data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for adware. Gathered information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, browser cookies, personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, the presence of software like OpenFunction on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by OpenFunction
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.2), 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

AnalyzerCommand, SharedQuantity, and ServiceConfig are merely a couple of our newest articles on adware. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers useful features. However, it seldom operates as promised, and its functionalities are merely bait to lure users into downloading/installing.

Note that even if an application or a browser extension works as advertised – that alone does not prove legitimacy or safety.

How did OpenFunction install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspect sources – poses a threat of bundled content infiltrating the device. The risk is furthered by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. These advertisements are also used to proliferate adware.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Most visitors enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing. All downloads must be made from official and trustworthy channels. Another recommendation is to treat installations with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.

We also advise vigilance while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove OpenFunction adware using Combo Cleaner:

OpenFunction adware removal:

Remove OpenFunction-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's presence can decrease browsing quality and system performance. The content promoted by adware-delivered ads may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking functions – hence, it is considered a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to generate revenue through advertising. The software's main functionalities can include displaying advertisements on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

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

Will Combo Cleaner remove OpenFunction adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. The remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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