Removal instructions for CoordinatorOptimization adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is CoordinatorOptimization?
Our researchers found the CoordinatorOptimization application during a routine investigation of new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it operates as adware.
In other words, CoordinatorOptimization runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and may have additional abilities as well. It is pertinent to mention that this rogue app is part of the AdLoad malware family.
CoordinatorOptimization adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The advertisements endorse unreliable/harmful webpages and software, online scams, and malware. Some intrusive adverts can perform stealthy downloads/installations - when clicked on.
It has to be mentioned that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are highly unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by their developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Note that if the browser/system specs or user geolocation are incompatible, visits to particular sites are not made, or other conditions are unsuitable - adware might not display ads. However, regardless of whether CoordinatorOptimization works as intended - its presence endangers device and user safety.
Advertising-supported software that belongs to the AdLoad group - often has browser hijacker and data tracking functionalities. When we tested CoordinatorOptimization, it did not display any browser-hijacking qualities. However, it likely does collect private information.
Adware typically gathers browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like CoordinatorOptimization on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by CoordinatorOptimization |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.AdloadTR.1012), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Search), 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
SurplusStatus, SmartRecord, OutlookWade, and VictorSurge are merely some examples of apps within the adware classification. This software typically looks legitimate and offers various functions. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did CoordinatorOptimization install on my computer?
Bundling - packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements - is used to distribute adware. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in adware distribution as well. Additionally, some intrusive advertisements can make stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Advertising-supported software is also promoted on dubious download webpages and scam sites. Users typically access such webpages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching and downloading it from official/verified sources. Furthermore, when installing, it is important to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additional apps, tools, features, etc.
We also advise being vigilant when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive adverts look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such advertisements/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CoordinatorOptimization, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once CoordinatorOptimization adware's installation is over:
CoordinatorOptimization 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 CoordinatorOptimization?
- STEP 1. Remove CoordinatorOptimization related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CoordinatorOptimization ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CoordinatorOptimization adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CoordinatorOptimization ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CoordinatorOptimization adware using Combo Cleaner:
CoordinatorOptimization adware removal:
Remove CoordinatorOptimization-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it usually has data tracking functionalities. Furthermore, adware-delivered ads can be harmful and cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to enable the placement of various advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open sites and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CoordinatorOptimization adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating the adware-type applications present. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - various components (files) can stay within the system. What is more, such remnants may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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