How to eliminate the OperationNetwork adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is OperationNetwork?
Our research team found the OperationNetwork application while reviewing file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After investigating it, we learned that this app is advertising-supported software (adware). OperationNetwork is part of the AdLoad malware family. This adware-type application is designed to feed users with undesirable and deceptive advertisements.
OperationNetwork adware overview
Adware delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, overlays, coupons, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
These advertisements promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to deliver intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc.). However, even if OperationNetwork does not display ads – it threatens device integrity and user safety.
It is pertinent to mention that AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking qualities, although OperationNetwork did not exhibit these traits during testing.
What is more, this rogue app likely gathers sensitive information. Targeted data may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. This vulnerable information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, advertising-supported software like OperationNetwork may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OperationNetwork |
| 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.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
We have examined numerous adware-type applications; HitchSpace, BrowserElement, KeyboardVirtual, DragResolution – are just some examples.
Software within this classification tends to appear ordinary and innocuous. Users are lured into downloading/installing it by promises of "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.
It must be stressed that a software's legitimacy or safety is not guaranteed by whether it works as indicated by its promotional material.
How did OperationNetwork install on my computer?
The bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to proliferate adware.
The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., using "Express/Easy" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" download pages, and it is promoted on deceptive/scam websites. The majority of users access these webpages via redirects generated by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive adverts. Some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. All downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
Since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless – we advise exercising caution while browsing. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirected to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OperationNetwork, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OperationNetwork adware's installation is over:
OperationNetwork 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 OperationNetwork?
- STEP 1. Remove OperationNetwork related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OperationNetwork ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OperationNetwork adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OperationNetwork ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove OperationNetwork adware using Combo Cleaner:
OperationNetwork adware removal:
Remove OperationNetwork-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 may cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems through its advertisements. This software can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is considered to be a privacy threat since adware usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Additionally, it might be capable of generating redirects and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily by promoting various sites, software, products, services, and other content. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OperationNetwork adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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