Removing OptimalModule adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is OptimalModule?
While inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, our researchers discovered OptimalModule. This rogue application is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. OptimalModule runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and may have other harmful abilities as well.
OptimalModule adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying adverts on various interfaces. These advertisements endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and potential malware. Furthermore, some of these ads can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It must be mentioned that any genuine products or services encountered via these adverts are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether OptimalModule displays advertisements – its presence endangers device/user safety.
Many AdLoad apps have browser hijacker abilities, and while this might apply to OptimalModule – it did not exhibit any such functionalities during testing.
This rogue application likely gathers private data. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, usernames/passwords, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, advertising-supported software like OptimalModule may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even lead to identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OptimalModule |
| 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), 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
NetDevelopment, NanoService, VersionTrust, ClearArchive, ElementBrowser, and SageFine are merely some examples of adware-type applications we have examined recently.
Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious; it tends to look ordinary and innocuous. Users are lured into downloading/installing it by a wide variety of handy functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.
Note 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 OptimalModule install on my computer?
Adware often has "official" promotional pages, and it is commonly pushed through scam websites. Users typically access such webpages through redirects generated by sites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with regular programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive adverts proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is crucial to research software before downloading/installing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, inspect available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).
We advise exercising caution while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look ordinary/innocuous – however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering such advertisements and/or redirects, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OptimalModule, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OptimalModule adware's installation is over:
OptimalModule 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 OptimalModule?
- STEP 1. Remove OptimalModule related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OptimalModule ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OptimalModule adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OptimalModule ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove OptimalModule adware using Combo Cleaner:
OptimalModule adware removal:
Remove OptimalModule-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?
The presence of adware on a device may decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software displays ads that can promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). It is also considered to be a privacy threat since adware usually collects private data.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary function is to display advertisements on various interfaces. However, this software may also be capable of causing redirects and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing a wide variety of content. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OptimalModule adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate threats; that includes adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is essential to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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