CommonFunction Adware

CommonFunction is a deceptive application classified as adware, designed to flood users with intrusive advertisements, redirect them to unsafe websites, and collect personal data without consent. This malware primarily targets Mac users and belongs to the notorious Adload malware family. It can lead to severe privacy risks, identity theft, financial loss, and system performance degradation.

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CommonFunction Adware Overview

The following table provides a summary of the CommonFunction adware:

Feature	Details
Threat Name	Ads by CommonFunction
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)
Belongs to	Adload malware family
Symptoms	Slow system performance, excessive pop-up ads, browser redirects, unauthorized browser setting modifications
Damage	Privacy invasion, personal data theft, exposure to scams and phishing websites, installation of additional malware
Distribution Methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, software bundling, torrent file downloads
Danger Level	High

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How Does CommonFunction Adware Work?

Displays Intrusive Ads

Once installed, CommonFunction starts injecting advertisements into your browser. These ads appear as pop-ups, banners, coupons, and in-text links. Clicking on them can lead to:

• Fake software updates that trick users into installing more malware.
• Phishing websites designed to steal login credentials and financial data.
• Scam promotions such as fake lotteries, investment schemes, and fraudulent tech support services.

Redirects Users to Malicious Websites

CommonFunction can modify browser settings, causing forced redirections to dangerous domains. These sites may host:

• Fake search engines that manipulate search results.
• Phishing pages that request personal information.
• Malicious download portals pushing harmful applications.

Collects Personal Data

This adware stealthily tracks browsing habits and collects sensitive data, including:

• Search queries
• Websites visited
• IP addresses
• Personal details (email, name, etc.)

This information may be sold to third parties, leading to spam campaigns, identity theft, and targeted phishing attacks.

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How Did CommonFunction Infect My Mac?

Bundling with Free Software

CommonFunction is often bundled with free applications downloaded from unreliable sources. Many users install such software without checking for additional components.

Fake Software Updates

Malicious pop-ups claiming that your Adobe Flash Player or other software is outdated may trick you into installing the adware.

Torrent and Cracked Software Downloads

Downloading pirated content from torrent sites significantly increases the risk of malware infections.

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How to Remove CommonFunction Adware from Mac?

If you suspect CommonFunction is installed on your Mac, follow this step-by-step removal guide to delete it completely.

Step 1: Remove CommonFunction from Applications

1. Open Finder and click on Applications.
2. Look for CommonFunction or any suspicious application you don’t recognize.
3. Right-click and select Move to Trash.
4. Empty the Trash to permanently remove it.

Step 2: Remove Malicious Login Items

1. Go to System Settings > General > Login Items.
2. Check for unknown applications and disable them.

Step 3: Delete Suspicious Browser Extensions

For Safari

1. Open Safari and go to Settings (or Preferences).
2. Click on the Extensions tab.
3. Look for CommonFunction or any unwanted extension.
4. Select it and click Uninstall.

For Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and type chrome://extensions/ in the address bar.
2. Find CommonFunction or any suspicious extension.
3. Click Remove.

For Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox and go to about:addons.
2. Navigate to the Extensions section.
3. Remove any unwanted or unknown extensions.

Step 4: Reset Browser Settings

To eliminate residual changes, reset your browser to default settings.

Safari

1. Go to Settings > Privacy.
2. Click Manage Website Data and select Remove All.
3. Restart Safari.

Chrome

1. Open Chrome and go to chrome://settings/reset.
2. Click Restore settings to their original defaults.
3. Confirm by clicking Reset Settings.

Firefox

1. Open Firefox and type about:support in the address bar.
2. Click Refresh Firefox.

Step 5: Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter

Even after manual removal, some CommonFunction components may remain hidden. To ensure a complete removal, scan your Mac with SpyHunter:

1. Download and install SpyHunter.
2. Run a full system scan.
3. Select all detected threats and click Remove.

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How to Prevent Adware Infections?

Avoid Downloading from Unverified Sources

Only download software from official websites or the Mac App Store.

Be Cautious with Freeware

Read installation prompts carefully and deselect bundled software.

Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Pop-Ups

Do not trust "Your Mac is infected!" pop-ups. These are scare tactics used to trick users into downloading malware.

Keep Your System and Software Updated

Enable automatic updates to patch security vulnerabilities.

Use a Reliable Anti-Malware Solution

Install a trusted anti-malware tool like SpyHunter to detect and remove potential threats.

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Conclusion

CommonFunction adware is a dangerous Mac threat that exposes users to intrusive ads, phishing scams, and privacy risks. Since it belongs to the Adload malware family, it is highly persistent and can reinstall itself if not removed properly.

To protect your Mac, remove CommonFunction immediately using the manual steps outlined in this guide and perform a SpyHunter scan to ensure all malware traces are deleted.

By practicing safe browsing habits, avoiding untrustworthy downloads, and using anti-malware protection, you can safeguard your system against future infections.