How to remove SectionOperation adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SectionOperation?
Our researchers found the SectionOperation adware while investigating new file submissions to VirusTotal. This advertising-supported software is part of the AdLoad malware family. SectionOperation feeds users with unwanted and potentially malicious advertisements.
SectionOperation adware overview
Adware can display third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces. It must be mentioned that software within this category may require certain conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc. However, regardless of whether SectionOperation displays ads – it remains a threat.
Adware-delivered adverts promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Upon being clicked, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any genuine products/services encountered through these ads are most likely endorsed by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Additionally, AdLoad adware tends to have browser hijacker qualities – however, SectionOperation did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.
Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to SectionOperation. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, software like SectionOperation may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SectionOperation |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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
SoftwareSkillMatrix, SignalUpdater, ShoutSystem, and ResearchRise are merely some examples of adware-type applications we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and harmless. Users are lured into downloading/installing this software by promises of various functionalities. However, these features are rarely operational.
Note that even if an app or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did SectionOperation install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped sections, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on deceptive/scam websites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive adverts proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look ordinary/harmless – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SectionOperation, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SectionOperation adware's installation is over:
SectionOperation 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 SectionOperation?
- STEP 1. Remove SectionOperation related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SectionOperation ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SectionOperation adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SectionOperation ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SectionOperation adware using Combo Cleaner:
SectionOperation adware removal:
Remove SectionOperation-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 diminishes the browsing experience and system performance. It displays ads that endorse content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it usually collects sensitive information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces. Additionally, some types may be capable of causing redirects and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing content. The developers might earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SectionOperation adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is worth mentioning that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, the components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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