How to remove OperativeUnit adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is OperativeUnit?
OperativeUnit is an adware-type app with browser hijacker traits. Thus, it delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns and promotes fake search engines by modifying browser settings. Additionally, most adware programs and browser hijackers collect browsing-related information, and this application is also likely to have these data tracking capabilities.
Due to the dubious tactics used to distribute OperativeUnit, it is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). One of the dubious techniques used to spread OperativeUnit is proliferation via fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers.
Adware delivers pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, and other intrusive advertisements. These are misleading, deceptive, and may even be malicious. The ads diminish the browsing experience by overlaying web page content and reducing browsing speed. Furthermore, when clicked, intrusive ads can redirect to untrusted/malicious websites and some can execute scripts to stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs).
Browser hijackers assign the addresses of fake search engines as the homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs. With a browser hijacker installed, each new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar redirects to the promoted search engine address.
Rogue search engines are rarely able to provide search results, and so they tend to redirect (or cause redirection chains leading) to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other genuine search engines.
Browser hijackers can also undo any changes users try to make to their browsers and restrict/deny access to the browser settings outright. Therefore, recovering an affected browser is impossible without removing the software hijacking it.
Furthermore, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data. They monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and gather personal information derived from it (IP addresses, geolocations, and other sensitive details). The collected data is then monetized by sharing with and/or selling to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can result in system infections, financial loss, serious privacy issues, and identity theft. To protect device/user safety, you are strongly advised to eliminate all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by OperativeUnit |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-MT [Trj]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Generic.20162), 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 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. |
AdvancedSprint, ValidMemory, RecordMapper, and ExtendedSprint are some examples of applications within the adware category. They may seem normal and harmless, and users are enticed into download/installation with offers of various "useful" functionality, however, the advertised features are seldom operational. In fact, this is true of most PUAs. The only purpose of this unwanted software is to generate revenue for the developers.
Rather than delivering any real value, PUAs run intrusive ad campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects, and collect private data.
How did OperativeUnit install on my computer?
People often download and install unwanted apps inadvertently via deceptive advertisements - they click ads that cause unwanted download/installations by executing certain scripts.
Unwanted downloads and installations also occur during download/installation of other programs. I.e., when PUAs are included into the set-ups as 'extra offers'. This PUA distribution method of PUAs is called "bundling".
Typically, offers to download and install these additional apps can be declined via "Custom", "Advanced" or other settings, or by unticking certain checkboxes within the set-ups. When users download and install programs without making these checks and changes, they often allow PUAs to infiltrate.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
You are advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule), and other third party downloaders commonly offer harmful and bundled content, and are therefore untrusted and should be avoided.
When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, and so on.
Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious and malicious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others). If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately.
Installed programs must be activated and updated with tools or implemented functions that are provided by the official developers. No other third party, unofficial tools should be used.
Note that it is illegal to activate licensed software with ‘cracking’ tools. Files and programs should be downloaded from official websites and via direct download links. Avoid third party installers and the tools/sources mentioned above.
Do not open website links or files in irrelevant emails that are received from unknown, suspicious addresses. These bogus emails are often disguised as official and important. Regularly, scan your computer with reputable, up-to-date antivirus or anti-spyware software.
If your computer is already infected with OperativeUnit, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed when OperativeUnit adware is installed:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"OperativeUnitd" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Deceptive installer (fake Flash Player updater) promoting OperativeUnit adware;
First installation step:
Second installation step:
Files related to OperativeUnit adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.OperativeUnit.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.OperativeUnit.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.OperativeUnit.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.OperativeUnit.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases, malicious applications like OperativeUnit alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of bogus websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. 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 OperativeUnit?
- STEP 1. Remove OperativeUnit related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OperativeUnit ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OperativeUnit adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OperativeUnit ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove OperativeUnit adware using Combo Cleaner:
OperativeUnit adware removal:
Remove OperativeUnit-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.
Outstanding!
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