How to remove the OptimizationTool adware from your operating system?

What is OptimizationTool?

OptimizationTool is a piece of rogue software. It is classified as adware and has browser hijacker qualities. This app runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and modifies browser settings to promote fake search engines. Additionally, most adware-types and browser hijackers have data tracking abilities. Since users typically download/install such software inadvertently, these apps are also categorized as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).

OptimizationTool adware in detail

Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content on any visited website and/or different interfaces. This software can deliver various banners, pop-ups, coupons, surveys, and other intrusive ads. They severely affect the browsing experience by limiting webpage visibility and browsing speed.

Intrusive adverts also endanger device and user safety. They endorse a variety of sale-based, untrustworthy, deceptive/scam, and malicious sites. What is more, some of these advertisements can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs) - when they are clicked on.

Browser hijackers assign fake web searcher addresses as browsers' default search engine, new tab/window, and homepage URLs. Hence, with a browser hijacker installed: every search query typed into the URL bar and new browser tab/window opened - redirect to the promoted address.

Illegitimate search engines are usually unable to generate search results, so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Yahoo, Google, Bing, and other genuine ones.

Browser hijackers can undo any changes users try to make to their browsers, or they can restrict/deny access to the browser settings outright. Due to these persistence-ensuring techniques, restoring an affected browser is impossible without removing the software hijacking it.

Furthermore, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data. Targeted information includes: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses/ geolocations, personally identifiable details, and so on. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties, likewise intent on misusing it for profit.

To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. It is highly recommended to remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by OptimizationTool
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), Fortinet (Adware/Adload!OSX), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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. ▼ 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.

Adware in general

SkilledUnit, ResultsTechGuide, LookupDisplay, and ValidManager are a few examples of adware. This software appears as legitimate and innocuous. Adware also lures users into download/installation with "handy" features. Despite how good the promised functions may sound - they are seldom operational.

In fact, nearly all PUAs have nonexistent functionalities. However, the sole goal of unwanted apps is to generate revenue for the developers; they have no real value to users. PUAs operate by running intrusive advertisement campaigns, hijacking browsers, force-opening unreliable and malicious sites, and collecting private data.

How did OptimizationTool install on my computer?

PUAs are spread via download/installation setups of other programs. This deceptive marketing tactic of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is called "bundling". These supplements can be left unmentioned or hidden within the "Custom/Advanced" settings.

By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.), users risk inadvertently allowing bundled content into their devices, thereby endangering the systems with potential infections.

Intrusive advertisements are used to distribute PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the adverts can execute scripts to download/install these applications without user consent. Some PUAs may also have "official" promotional sites from which they can be downloaded and/or purchased.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is recommended to research software before download/installation. Additionally, all downloads must be done from official and verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer bundled and dangerous content.

When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out from supplementary apps, functions, etc. Intrusive ads appear legitimate; however, they redirect various questionable sites (e.g., pornography, adult-dating, gambling, and so on).

In case of encounters with adverts and/or redirects of this kind, the system must be checked and all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with OptimizationTool, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once OptimizationTool adware's installation is over:

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

Video showing how to remove OptimizationTool adware using Combo Cleaner:

OptimizationTool adware removal:

Remove OptimizationTool-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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