How to remove FeedNames adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is FeedNames?
Our research team found FeedNames while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon analysis, we learned that this application is classified as adware. FeedNames is part of the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.
FeedNames adware overview
Adware usually operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, coupons, etc.) on visited websites or other interfaces.
These advertisements can endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to carry our sneaky downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, particular sites are not visited, etc. However, even if FeedNames does not deliver advertisements – it threatens device integrity and user safety.
It is noteworthy that browser-hijacking abilities are prevalent in AdLoad adware. Yet, we did not observe these functionalities while testing the FeedNames application.
What is more, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking capabilities, and this might be true of FeedNames. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit/debit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be shared with or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like FeedNames on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by FeedNames |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:PuAgent-H [PUP]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.27), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.A), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.k), 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. |
Adware examples
We have written about countless adware-type apps; DiscoveryUniverse, FlexibleRemote, RecordPlatform, and TrustedSafeFinder are just some of our newest articles.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and innocuous. It can also offer a wide variety of useful features, which are rarely operational. Remember that even if a piece of software functions exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did FeedNames install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" changes, etc.).
Advertising-supported software is spread directly by intrusive advertisements as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
Adware is also promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Most visitors access these webpages via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. It is essential to treat installations with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since the Internet is rife with deceptive and dangerous content that typically appears innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with FeedNames, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once FeedNames adware's installation is over:
FeedNames 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 FeedNames?
- STEP 1. Remove FeedNames related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove FeedNames ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove FeedNames adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove FeedNames ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
FeedNames adware removal:
Remove FeedNames-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 can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software usually has data-tracking abilities; thus, it is considered a privacy threat. The majority of the dangers associated with adware are posed by the content promoted through adware-delivered ads, including system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, etc.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. Typically, this software displays ads on various interfaces, and some types can also generate redirects and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion, and the majority of the profit comes from affiliate programs. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove FeedNames adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants stay hidden within the system. The remaining components can continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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