Removing FractionConsole adware and the ads it displays

What kind of application is FractionConsole?

Our research team discovered FractionConsole while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software. This adware is part of the AdLoad malware family.

FractionConsole adware overview

Adware usually operates by displaying advertisements (e.g., overlays, banners, coupons, pop-ups, surveys, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.

Certain conditions might be necessary for this software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether FractionConsole delivers adverts – it endangers device and user safety.

Adware-displayed ads can promote various scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some of the advertisements can perform scripts to carry out stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

Remember that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. This endorsement is most likely performed by scammers motivated to obtain legitimate commissions by abusing the promoted content's affiliate programs.

While we have found many AdLoad applications capable of hijacking browsers, we did not observe these functionalities while investigating the FractionConsole adware.

Furthermore, this rogue app might have data-tracking abilities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, software like FractionConsole may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by FractionConsole
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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. ▼ 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

LocalInfo, CacheDivision, and ProgressExplorer are merely a couple of our latest articles on adware. Advertising-supported software seldom appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious; it typically looks ordinary and innocuous.

Adware can also offer a broad range of handy functionalities, which are usually fake and nonoperational since their whole purpose is to deceive users into downloading/installing.

However, it must be stressed that even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not prove legitimacy or safety.

How did FractionConsole install on my computer?

Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Users mainly access these pages via redirects generated by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

This software is proliferated by intrusive adverts as well. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing it. All downloads must be made from official and verified sources. When installing, we advise caution, e.g., reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove FractionConsole adware using Combo Cleaner:

FractionConsole adware removal:

Remove FractionConsole-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 displays advertisements that promote content, which may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The presence of advertising-supported software on devices can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware is considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it typically has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It operates by displaying third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces, and the software might also be capable of force-opening sites and collecting vulnerable information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion. Its developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit is made via affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove FractionConsole adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) can stay hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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