How to remove OptimalBrowser adware and the advertisements it displays

What kind of application is OptimalBrowser?

OptimalBrowser is a rogue application discovered by our research team while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal website.

Our analysis revealed that this app is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family. OptimalBrowser is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and deceptive advertisements.

OptimalBrowser adware overview

Adware operates by running intrusive advert campaigns. It displays third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

The advertisements endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive ads can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

It is pertinent to mention that while genuine products and services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, such as an incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, specific sites not visited, etc. Regardless of whether OptimalBrowser displays ads – its presence endangers device/user safety.

It is worth noting that AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking qualities, although we did not observe these traits while analyzing OptimalBrowser.

What is more, this rogue application likely collects vulnerable user data. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by OptimalBrowser
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AB [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.29), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.g), 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. ▼ 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

We have examined numerous adware samples; ConnectionLocator, StandartInitiator, and ApplicationLaser are merely a couple of our latest finds. Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and harmless. Users are lured into downloading/installing this software by promises of handy functionalities. However, these features are usually nonfunctional.

It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did OptimalBrowser install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Furthermore, adware can have "official" download pages, and it is promoted on scam websites. Most visitors enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites that utilize rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is crucial to research software before downloading or purchasing it. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).

We advise being cautious while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless – yet they redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).

If you keep encountering ads and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OptimalBrowser, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove OptimalBrowser adware using Combo Cleaner:

OptimalBrowser adware removal:

Remove OptimalBrowser-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 delivers adverts that promote harmful content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software on devices may decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software is classed as a privacy threat, as it usually collects private data.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on various interfaces, and some types can generate redirects and gather sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, apps, extensions, tools, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove OptimalBrowser adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some instances, various file remnants stay hidden within the system even after the adware has been (manually) removed. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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