How to uninstall OptimalPromo adware from the operating system

What is OptimalPromo?

OptimalPromo is an adware-type app, which also has browser hijacker characteristics. OptimalPromo operates by delivering intrusive ad campaigns, changing browser settings, and promoting a fake search engine: Safe Finder (via akamaihd.net). Since most users download and install OptimalPromo unintentionally, it is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUAs).

Most PUAs track browsing-related information, and this is likely to be the case with OptimalPromo.

Adware enables the placement of third graphical content, typically on any visited website. Applications of this type deliver pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons and other intrusive advertisements. The ads reduce browsing speed and limit web page visibility (by overlaying content).

When clicked, they redirect to various untrusted/malicious sites and can even execute scripts to stealthily download/install rogue software (e.g. PUAs). Browser hijackers modify browser options. Specifically, they reassign the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs to the addresses of bogus search engines.

Therefore, each search query typed into the URL bar and each new browser tab/window opened redirects to the promoted address. OptimalPromo promotes Safe Finder through akamaihd.net in this manner. Browser hijackers can limit/deny access to browsers settings and/or reset any permitted changes made.

Therefore, the only way to restore the browser is by removing the hijacker software. As mentioned, it is highly likely that OptimalPromo has data tracking capabilities. Most PUAs record browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries) and collect personal information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details).

The sensitive data is often shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals), seeking to misuse it for profit. To summarize, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial loss and even identity theft.

To protect device integrity and user safety, you are advised to immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by OptimalPromo
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
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), fake Flash Player installers, 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.

AccessSide, StockCommon, WebSearchStride are some examples of other adware-type apps. They may seem legitimate and useful, however, the features promised are seldom operational. In fact, this is typical of all PUAs. These unwanted applications have just one purpose: to generate revenue for the developers.

Rather than delivering any real value, PUAs run intrusive ad campaigns, hijack browsers, cause unwanted redirects and gather vulnerable data.

How did OptimalPromo install on my computer?

PUAs are often downloaded/installed with other software. This deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing regular products with unwanted or malicious additions is termed "bundling".

By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g. skimming or ignoring terms, skipping steps, using pre-set options, etc.), many users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device. Some PUAs have "official" download web pages. Intrusive advertisements can infiltrate these applications into systems as well.

Once clicked, they can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without users' permission.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

You are strongly advised to research all software and only download from official/verified sources. Untrusted download channels such as unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks (BitTorrent, eMule, Gnutella, etc.) and other third party downloaders can offer deceptive and/or bundled content, and should therefore be avoided.

When downloading/installing, it is important to read the terms, explore all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of supplementary apps, tools, features and so on. Intrusive ads may seem normal and harmless, however, they often redirect to various dubious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating and others).

If you encounter ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately eliminate suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OptimalPromo, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once OptimalPromo installation is complete:

OptimalPromo redirecting users to Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net:

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

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

OptimalPromo adware removal:

Remove OptimalPromo-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.

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