How to uninstall OpticalSkill from a computer
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is OpticalSkill?
Upon inspection, the outcome of our examination is that OpticalSkill is adware. This questionable application displays annoying advertisements. Also, OpticalSkill may harvest various information. The methods developers of such apps use for their distribution also raise concerns. Thus, it is recommended to avoid installing OpticalSkill.
OpticalSkill adware in detail
OpticalSkill, identified as adware upon inspection, presents a concerning behavior that impacts users' digital experiences. First and foremost, the application is notorious for inundating users with annoying and intrusive advertisements. These advertisements disrupt the normal flow of online activities, causing inconvenience and potentially compromising the overall user experience.
The advertisements generated by OpticalSkill have the potential to open a range of websites. Users might find themselves redirected to pages promoting fake software updates, online scams, or other forms of malicious activities. Moreover, some of these ads may be designed to initiate unexpected downloads and installations.
Moreover, OpticalSkill may collect a range of user data, including browsing history, search queries, IP addresses, device information, geolocation data, and unique identifiers. In more invasive examples, personal information like usernames and credit card details may also be gathered. Users should be cautious about the privacy implications and potential misuse of such collected data.
Additionally, apps like OpticalSkill can significantly affect system performance, leading to sluggishness and potential disruptions. Users may experience a decline in the efficiency of their devices, further emphasizing the negative consequences associated with such unwanted software.
| Name | Ads by OpticalSkill |
| 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. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, OpticalSkill is a shady app known for displaying intrusive ads and possibly collecting user data. The unclear distribution methods and potential privacy risks highlight the need for users to be cautious. Users are advised to exercise caution and employ reputable security measures to mitigate the risks associated with adware like OpticalSkill.
More examples of similar programs are SystemCyberspace, InputScheduler, and ClearPartition.
How did OpticalSkill install on my computer?
Users often overlook included adware when they install free or questionable software and agree to install it by leaving the default settings unchanged. Usually, it happens when users do not change "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings or leave checkboxes ticked.
Some adware-type apps may be disguised as legitimate applications or software updates, tricking users into downloading and installing them voluntarily. Engaging with dubious links in emails, shady ads, and pop-ups and trusting P2P networks, third-party app stores, and similar sources can also lead to downloading and installing adware.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Stick to reputable and official sources for downloading applications. Avoid downloading software from unfamiliar websites, P2P networks, third-party app stores, etc. Before downloading an application, read user reviews and check ratings. Opt for custom or advanced installation options (deselect unwanted apps) when installing software.
Refrain from clicking on suspicious links in emails, pop-ups, or dubious websites. Keep your operating system and all installed applications up to date, and use reputable antivirus or anti-malware software. If your computer is already infected with OpticalSkill, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
The message that appears after the installation of OpticalSkill app:
OpticalSkill'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
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Quick menu:
- What is OpticalSkill?
- STEP 1. Remove OpticalSkill related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OpticalSkill ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OpticalSkill adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OpticalSkill ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove OpticalSkill adware using Combo Cleaner:
OpticalSkill adware removal:
Remove OpticalSkill-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 can disrupt the user experience with intrusive ads, compromise privacy through unauthorized data collection, and impact system performance, causing slowdowns.
What does adware do?
All advertising-supported applications display advertisements. Also, they can be designed to gather information and change the settings of web browsers.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Developers of adware primarily earn income by endorsing diverse products, pages, or services, with the majority of their revenue generated through participation in affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OpticalSkill adware?
Combo Cleaner scans computers and removes adware-type applications (and other unwanted apps). Manual removal is not always perfect, as some components can remain active after removal. Thus, users are advised to use tools like Combo Cleaner for removal.
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