How to remove CacheOptimization adware from the system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is CacheOptimization?
CacheOptimization is an advertising-supported application that displays annoying advertisements. It has no useful features or provides other value. Our team discovered CacheOptimization after examining a fake installer downloaded from a shady page. Like most apps of this kind, CacheOptimization is promoted and distributed using deceptive methods.
CacheOptimization adware in detail
While installed, CacheOptimization shows banners, pop-ups, coupons, and other advertisements. Those ads can open technical support and other scam websites, download pages for untrustworthy applications, or even malicious sites. It is important to mention that ads delivered can cause unexpected downloads/installations by running certain scripts.
We have tested many apps virtually identical to CacheOptimization and discovered that some of them can read sensitive information. They can read credit card details, passwords, and other personal information (and browsing history). Their developers may misuse obtained information for malicious purposes.
| Name | Ads by CacheOptimization |
| 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), 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 in general
Most advertising-supported applications generate intrusive ads. In some cases, they not only show ads but also change the settings of web browsers (promote fake search engines by hijacking web browsers) and gather information. It is uncommon for adware like CacheOptimization to be downloaded and installed intentionally.
More adware examples are AnalyzerState, TaskPost, and TwinValley.
How did CacheOptimization install on my computer?
It is common for adware to be installed via fake installers downloaded from deceptive websites, untrustworthy ads designed to run certain scripts, and software bundles. In the last case, users install adware after they finish installation procedures without changing certain settings.
Installers containing adware have "Advanced", "Custom", "Manual", or similar settings or ticked checkboxes. Users install adware alongside other software when they leave those settings unchanged (when they do not deselect optional installations).
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download applications from official websites and stores. Do not use unofficial pages, third-party downloaders, P2P networks, and similar sources. Also, do not click on ads and notifications displayed by questionable/suspicious pages.
Deselect optional (unwanted) installations before installing software. Note that adware is bundled mainly with free software. If your computer is already infected with CacheOptimization, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that appears after the installation of CacheOptimization adware:
CacheOptimization'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 CacheOptimization?
- STEP 1. Remove CacheOptimization related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CacheOptimization ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CacheOptimization adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CacheOptimization ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CacheOptimization adware using Combo Cleaner:
CacheOptimization adware removal:
Remove CacheOptimization-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?
Typically, the main problem with adware is that it shows advertisements that conceal the contents of visited pages (which diminishes the web browsing experience). Additionally, it can slow down a computer and even invade privacy (if capable of accessing personal information).
What does adware do?
Adware displays pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, and other advertisements. Sometimes, it also hijacks a web browser and (or) gathers information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most adware developers participate in affiliate programs - they get paid for promoting websites, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CacheOptimization adware?
Combo Cleaner can remove adware and other unwanted software from the operating system. It is recommended to remove adware automatically to avoid leaving various file leftovers system, which often is a problem when adware is removed manually.
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