How to uninstall the WebFraction adware from your operating system

What kind of application is WebFraction?

Our research team discovered the WebFraction application while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon examination, we determined that WebFraction is advertising-supported software (adware). This app belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

WebFraction adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Typically, it displays advertisements (e.g., overlays, banners, surveys, pop-ups, etc.) on various interfaces. The ads can promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.

It is noteworthy that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is carried out by scammers who abuse the promoted content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Adware might not operate as designed if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Yet even if WebFraction does not display advertisements – it remains a threat to device integrity and user safety.

AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities – however, WebFraction did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.

What is more, advertising-supported software usually collects sensitive information, and WebFraction might possess such data-tracking functionality as well.

Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by WebFraction
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.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information	This application belongs to the 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

ResourceDevice, ApplicationPlatform, and GlobalConnection are just a few examples of adware that we have analyzed recently. Software within this category appears legitimate and useful. It may entice users into downloading/installing by promising a broad range of features. However, these functionalities seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.

Keep in mind that even if an app or extension works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did WebFraction install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from suspicious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Furthermore, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed by scam sites. Visitors to these pages primarily enter them via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.

We also advise exercising caution while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

Should you keep encountering 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 WebFraction, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove WebFraction adware using Combo Cleaner:

WebFraction adware removal:

Remove WebFraction-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 can promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware usually collects sensitive information – hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. The software primarily displays third-party graphical content (adverts) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. However, some adware types can also force-open webpages and gather vulnerable information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove WebFraction adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Remember that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. After the adware has been manually removed – various file remnants can stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.

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