How to remove OptionSatellite from your computer
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is OptionSatellite?
Upon examining the OptionSatellite app, it became clear that it is an adware-type application that can infiltrate devices and inundate users with unwanted advertisements. This intrusive software may compromise the online experience by displaying incessant ads, leading to potential security risks and a slowdown in the device's performance.
OptionSatellite adware in detail
OptionSatellite, functioning as adware, can display a wide range of advertisements, creating a disruptive and frustrating online experience for users. These ads often come in various forms, including pop-ups, banners, and interstitial ads. They can appear when browsing websites and (or) using applications.
OptionSatellite's ads can lead users to various web pages. Some ads may direct users to legitimate websites, such as e-commerce platforms or news outlets. However, the concerning aspect is that adware like OptionSatellite can also redirect users to malicious or deceptive sites.
These can include phishing websites attempting to steal sensitive information, fraudulent pages encouraging users to make fake purchases, or websites hosting malware that can infect devices. Furthermore, adware can expose users to deceptive schemes, such as fake tech support pages claiming computer issues that don't exist or misleading lottery pages promising unrealistic prizes.
OptionSatellite may also collect various data from users without their consent. This can include browsing history, search queries, and the websites users visit. Additionally, it might gather passwords, usernames, credit card details, telephone numbers, and other information.
It raises significant privacy concerns, as users may not be aware of this data harvesting and the potential for their personal information to be shared with third parties.
Additionally, OptionSatellite may be functioning as a browser hijacker. Browser hijacking involves unauthorized modifications to a user's web browser settings, potentially leading to a compromised browsing experience. Such software can alter critical settings, including the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page, redirecting users to specific websites or search engines.
Name | Ads by OptionSatellite |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy.f), 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. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, OptionSatellite embodies the characteristics of adware that can significantly disrupt a user's online experience. It inundates users with intrusive and unwanted advertisements, potentially compromises their privacy through data collection, and even performs browser hijacking, redirecting users to unfamiliar and potentially harmful websites.
Adware like OptionSatellite not only hampers the user's browsing experience but also raises security concerns. Thus, it should be removed from affected computer as soon as possible.
Examples of similar programs are ProgressFunction, RenewingImprove, and CyberSpaceLogin.
How did OptionSatellite install on my computer?
Unwanted software often manages to infiltrate users' computer systems through a variety of channels. A common method involves software bundling, where individuals who download and install software from the internet might not always be aware of the presence of additional applications bundled within the installation package.
Another pathway through which undesired applications make their way onto users' computers entails misleading advertisements or fake download links on websites. Moreover, deceptive emails and manipulative social engineering techniques can convince users to download and install these unwanted and potentially malicious applications.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Obtain software and applications exclusively from reputable sources like the Apple App Store or the official website of the software in question. Before downloading any software, consider conducting online research to check for user reviews and feedback.
During the software installation process, opt for custom or advanced installation settings instead of the default ones whenever possible, as this can offer more control and help prevent unwanted installations. Avoid interacting with pop-up advertisements or windows that claim your computer is compromised or infected.
In addition, maintain the up-to-date status of your operating system and all applications. Alongside this, regularly perform comprehensive system scans using trustworthy antivirus or anti-malware software to detect and eliminate suspicious apps. If your computer is already infected with OptionSatellite, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
The window that appears after the installation of OptionSatellite:
OptionSatellite'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 OptionSatellite?
- STEP 1. Remove OptionSatellite related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OptionSatellite ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OptionSatellite adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OptionSatellite ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove OptionSatellite adware using Combo Cleaner:
OptionSatellite adware removal:
Remove OptionSatellite-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 disrupts the user's online experience by bombarding them with intrusive advertisements, intruding on their privacy through data collection, causing a decline in computer performance, and exposing users to security risks, including potentially harmful websites and fraudulent activities.
What does adware do?
The core purpose of adware is to showcase advertisements to users. Furthermore, it may collect data regarding users' online behaviors and manipulate web browser settings (hijack browsers).
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers typically generate revenue by promoting various products, websites or services. Most of money is generated via affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OptionSatellite adware?
Developers of adware generally generate income by promoting various products, websites, services, and the like. A substantial share of their profits is derived from involvement in affiliate programs, through which they earn commissions when users make payments for specific products or services or engage in other actions, such as creating online accounts.
▼ Show Discussion