Removal instructions for the FunctionGuide adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is FunctionGuide?
While browsing new submissions to the VirusTotal website, our researchers discovered FunctionGuide. Our analysis of this app revealed that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. FunctionGuide operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns.
FunctionGuide adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It runs intrusive ad campaigns, typically by placing advertisements on various interfaces. However, specific conditions may be necessary for adware to work as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Even if FunctionGuide does not display adverts – it endangers device safety and user privacy.
Adware-delivered ads can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations. Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered through these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
We have discovered many AdLoad applications with browser-hijacking capabilities in the past – however, we did not observe these qualities while testing FunctionGuide.
What is more, collecting sensitive information is standard for advertising-support software, and FunctionGuide might have such functionality as well.
Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. This sensitive data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like FunctionGuide on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by FunctionGuide |
| 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. |
Adware examples
InterfaceSignal, AgentSector, FormatProtocol, and PromoteMemory are just a few examples of adware-type applications we have investigated recently.
Advertising-supported software tends to look legitimate and innocuous. It can also offer a broad range of features, which are usually fake and nonoperational. Remember that even if a piece of software works as promised – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did FunctionGuide install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using the bundling technique, which involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements.
Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored term, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – pose a threat of bundled content infiltrating the device.
Furthermore, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam websites. They are primarily accessed via redirects caused by intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software prior to downloading/purchasing. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advance" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious content typically appears legitimate. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive adverts redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with 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 FunctionGuide, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once FunctionGuide adware's installation is over:
FunctionGuide 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 FunctionGuide?
- STEP 1. Remove FunctionGuide related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove FunctionGuide ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove FunctionGuide adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove FunctionGuide ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove FunctionGuide adware using Combo Cleaner:
FunctionGuide adware removal:
Remove FunctionGuide-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?
Ads displayed by adware promote content that may cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The software's presence on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware also tends to have data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. Some adware types are also capable of force-opening webpages and gathering sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue through content promotion (e.g., sites, software, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove FunctionGuide adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type apps that are installed. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. After the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. The remaining components may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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