How to remove OperativeQueue adware from the operating system

What is OperativeQueue?

While reviewing new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered the OperativeQueue application. After installing this app on our testing system, we verified that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware). It is noteworthy that OperativeQueue is part of the AdLoad malware family.

OperativeQueue adware overview

Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software enables the placement of ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. These adverts endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and malware. Some intrusive advertisements are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

It must be mentioned that while legitimate content can be encountered through these ads – it is unlikely to be promoted by its developers/creators. Instead, it is likely due to scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions for the promotion.

Advertising-supported software might need specific conditions to run intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether OperativeQueue displays ads – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety.

This rogue application might also have browser hijacker traits since they are common for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe such qualities during testing.

Furthermore, OperativeQueue likely collects private information. Data of interest may include: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, the presence of software like OperativeQueue on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by OperativeQueue
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. ▼ 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 examples

MajorLetterSearch, ExtendedTech, and UniversalSource are merely a few examples of adware-type apps that we have analyzed recently.

This software rarely looks suspicious; it tends to appear legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of "useful" and "advantageous" functions. However, these features are usually nonoperational.

How did OperativeQueue install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the device.

Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well. Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Additionally, advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most users access these pages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. It is just as important to approach installation with caution. Therefore, we advise reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so on.

Another recommendation is to be careful when browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look legitimate yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

Should you keep encountering 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 OperativeQueue, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove OperativeQueue adware using Combo Cleaner:

OperativeQueue adware removal:

Remove OperativeQueue-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. It is also considered to be a privacy threat since this software typically has data-tracking functionalities. Furthermore, adware displays adverts promoting deceptive/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functionalities can include displaying ads on various interfaces, causing redirects, and collecting private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content. They may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove OperativeQueue adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various fire leftovers remain within the system. What is more, these remnants can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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