Removing the OperationTool adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is OperationTool?
Our research team found the OperationTool adware-type app during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal site. This piece of software belongs to the AdLoad malware family. It is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns.
OperationTool adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It generates profit for its developers by displaying advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
The adverts endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and potential malware. Some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate products/services encountered via these advertisements are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers or other official parties. Instead, it is most probable that this promotion is performed by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may need specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns, such as compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, and so on. However, even if OperationTool does not display adverts – it remains a threat.
Furthermore, this application might have browser-hijacking qualities since they are common for AdLoad adware, but OperationTool did not exhibit any during testing.
What is more, this rogue app likely has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The collected information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like OperationTool on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OperationTool |
| 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), 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 thousands of adware samples; OriginalConnection, MachineDesktop, and PrimaryRemote are merely a couple of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears harmless and offers handy functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that even if an app operates as promised – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did OperationTool install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., reading terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users access such pages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is crucial to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to approach browsing with caution since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless – yet they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you continuously encounter such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OperationTool, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OperationTool adware's installation is over:
OperationTool 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 OperationTool?
- STEP 1. Remove OperationTool related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OperationTool ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OperationTool adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OperationTool ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove OperationTool adware using Combo Cleaner:
OperationTool adware removal:
Remove OperationTool-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. It displays adverts promoting content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, this software usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some adware-types can also force-open sites and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing a broad range of content. The developers can earn commission from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OperationTool adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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