Removal instructions for the DefaultOptimization adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is DefaultOptimization?
DefaultOptimization is an adware-type application belonging to the AdLoad malware family, which our research team discovered while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal site. This app is designed to display advertisements that primarily promote deceptive/malicious content.
DefaultOptimization adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-support software. It operates by enabling the placement of various ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. It must be mentioned that while adware might not run intrusive advertisement campaigns due to unsuitable conditions (e.g., incompatible browser/system, specific sites not visited, etc.) – its presence on a device remains a threat.
Adware-delivered adverts endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Note that while legitimate products or services may be encountered through these ads – they are highly unlikely to be promoted by the actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is performed by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking capabilities; however, DefaultOptimization did not exhibit any during testing.
This rogue app likely collects private information. Adware typically targets the following data: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like DefaultOptimization on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DefaultOptimization |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27697), 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 examined thousands of adware-type applications; ComplexPortal, NetworkImagine, LibraryBlog, ChannelLegion – are just some examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers useful functionalities. However, the features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are entirely nonoperational. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did DefaultOptimization install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Some of these adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Furthermore, this software can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is pushed through scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is crucial to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
We advise exercising caution while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering ads and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DefaultOptimization, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DefaultOptimization adware's installation is over:
DefaultOptimization 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 DefaultOptimization?
- STEP 1. Remove DefaultOptimization related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DefaultOptimization ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DefaultOptimization adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DefaultOptimization ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DefaultOptimization adware using Combo Cleaner:
DefaultOptimization adware removal:
Remove DefaultOptimization-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 displays ads that endorse content capable of causing serious problems, such as system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc. Its presence on a device can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware usually has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Adware's primary functionalities can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening webpages, and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue mainly through affiliate programs by promoting websites, software, products, services, etc. The developers can earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DefaultOptimization adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all the adware-type apps present. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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