How to remove OperativeMachine adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is OperativeMachine?
OperativeMachine is classified as adware because it generates advertisements. Note that it also functions as a browser hijacker, modifying browser settings to promote a fake search engine.
Typically, users do not download or install apps such as OperativeMachine intentionally and, for this reason, they are classified as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). This particular app is distributed via a fake installer for Adobe Flash Player.
OperativeMachine adware overview
Some examples of ads generated by OperativeMachine and similar apps include coupons, banners, surveys, and pop-ups. These can open other bogus web pages or download/install unwanted apps by running certain scripts.
Furthermore, OperativeMachine promotes a fake search engine by changing browser settings. Typically, apps of this type change the default search engine, homepage, and new tab. Users cannot remove the address of the fake search engine from browser settings unless they first uninstall the browser hijacker that promotes it.
OperativeMachine might also gather browsing data (IP addresses, geolocations, entered search queries, addresses of visited pages) and even private, sensitive information. The data could be monetized by selling it to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) or in other ways. Therefore, users might become victims of identity theft, encounter problems relating to browsing safety and online privacy, and experience other issues.
| Name | Ads by OperativeMachine |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-MT [Trj]), AVG (MacOS:Agent-MT [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), 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), 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. |
Adware examples
ActivityInput, StandardBoost and SkilledObject are other adware examples. Most apps of this type generate ads. They are useless to regular users, even if they are advertised as legitimate, useful apps.
If PUAs are already installed on the browser and/or computer, remove them immediately.
How did OperativeMachine install on my computer?
OperativeMachine is distributed via a fake Adobe Flash Player installer. Note that these installers can be used to distribute ransomware, Trojan-type malware, and other rogue software of this kind.
PUAs are also distributed via download/installation set-ups of other products. This deceptive marketing tactic of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".
Rushing download/installation processes (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and settings, etc.) increases the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Some PUAs have "official" download sites. Intrusive advertisements proliferate these applications as well. Once clicked, they can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without users' consent.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download software and files from official websites and via direct links. It is not safe to use torrent clients, eMule (or other Peer-to-Peer networks), third party downloaders, unofficial websites or other sources of this kind.
Avoid third party installers. Check "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings, and decline offers to download or install unwanted software. Do not click ads that are displayed on dubious websites, since they can open other untrusted websites or even cause unwanted downloads and installations.
Remove any unwanted, suspicious applications (extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins) that are installed on the browser. The same should be applied to programs of this kind that are installed on the operating system.
Regularly scan your computer with reputable antivirus or anti-spyware software and keep this software up to date.
If your computer is already infected with OperativeMachine, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed when OperativeMachine adware is installed:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"OperativeMachined" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Deceptive application installer promoting OperativeMachine adware (first installation step):
Deceptive application installer promoting OperativeMachine adware (second installation step):
Files related to OperativeMachine adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.OperativeMachine.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.OperativeMachine.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.OperativeMachine.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.OperativeMachine.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases, malicious applications like OperativeMachine alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of dubious websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself, and thus you must restore them manually.
Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.
Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.
Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".
Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also assign the settings of each protocol to the default: "*.local, 169.254/16".
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 OperativeMachine?
- STEP 1. Remove OperativeMachine related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OperativeMachine ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OperativeMachine adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OperativeMachine ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove OperativeMachine adware using Combo Cleaner:
OperativeMachine adware removal:
Remove OperativeMachine-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-delivered ads promote content that may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The software can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. Advertising-supported software usually has data-tacking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on visited sites or other interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove OperativeMachine adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, file leftovers stay hidden within the system – after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed. What is more, the remnants can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other undesirable software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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