How to eliminate NetworkOptimizer adware from the operating system

What kind of application is NetworkOptimizer?

Our research team discovered the NetworkOptimizer adware-type application during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal website.

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and deceptive advertisements. It is worth mentioning that NetworkOptimizer is part of the AdLoad malware family.

NetworkOptimizer adware overview

Adware operates by enabling the placement of ads (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, surveys, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces. These advertisements primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Note that any genuine products or services encountered through these ads are most likely endorsed by scammers abusing their affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether NetworkOptimizer displays adverts – the presence of this app on a system remains a threat to device/user safety.

AdLoad adware tends to have browser-hijacking qualities, but we did not observe these traits while testing NetworkOptimizer.

Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to NetworkOptimizer. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, software like NetworkOptimizer may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by NetworkOptimizer
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. ▼ 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 thousands of adware samples; ArchiveRemote, SystemOptimization, AdditionalResults, and AdminRotator are just a few of our newest finds.

Advertising-supported tends to appear legitimate and ordinary. It lures users into download/installation by offering a wide variety of useful and advantageous features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.

How did NetworkOptimizer install on my computer?

The bundling marketing tactic – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is commonly used to proliferate adware. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.

Adware can also have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Users predominantly access these pages via redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.

We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their ordinary/harmless appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).

If you keep encountering such ads/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with NetworkOptimizer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove NetworkOptimizer adware using Combo Cleaner:

NetworkOptimizer adware removal:

Remove NetworkOptimizer-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 ads that endorse deceptive/malicious content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered to be a threat to user privacy since this software usually has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on various interfaces (e.g., visited websites, desktops, etc.). Additionally, some types can generate redirects and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove NetworkOptimizer adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all the adware-type applications installed. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, following the adware's manual removal – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.

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