Removal instructions for the OperativeInfluence adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is OperativeInfluence?
OperativeInfluence is a rogue app that our research team discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. We determined that this application operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
OperativeInfluence adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of advertisements on visited sites and/or different interfaces. The ads promote various scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive adverts can perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It must be mentioned that any genuine products encountered via these ads are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system specs are incompatible, particular websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether OperativeInfluence displays advertisements – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety.
Furthermore, AdLoad apps often have browser-hijacking qualities, and this might apply to OperativeInfluence, although we did not observe any such traits during our analysis.
What is more, this piece of rogue software likely spies on users' browsing activity. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. The collected data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like OperativeInfluence on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OperativeInfluence |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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 examples
We have inspected numerous adware-type applications; LaserMacroKnowledge, DominantDisplay, and DigitalSection are just a couple of examples.
Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious; it tends to look legitimate and useful. However, its functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. Even if the software operates as advertised – that is not proof of its legitimacy or safety.
How did OperativeInfluence install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using the "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through online scams. Most users enter these deceptive pages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission. Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official and verified sources. It is essential to approach installation with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, and using the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out of all additions.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you continuously experience ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OperativeInfluence, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OperativeInfluence adware's installation is over:
OperativeInfluence 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 OperativeInfluence?
- STEP 1. Remove OperativeInfluence related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OperativeInfluence ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OperativeInfluence adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OperativeInfluence ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove OperativeInfluence adware using Combo Cleaner:
OperativeInfluence adware removal:
Remove OperativeInfluence-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it typically collects private data. Furthermore, adware displays advertisements that promote deceptive/malicious content, which can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces. Some types can also cause redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers can earn commission from advertisement clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OperativeInfluence adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. These remnants may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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