How to eliminate OperativeSignal adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is OperativeSignal?
OperativeSignal is a rogue application discovered by our research team during a routine investigation of new submissions to VirusTotal. After examining this app, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. OperativeSignal is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.
OperativeSignal adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It can display advertisements on various interfaces. The ads typically promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Keep in mind that while legitimate content may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this is undertaken by scammers aiming to obtain illegitimate commissions through the abuse of the promoted product's affiliate programs.
It must be mentioned that adware may require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if OperativeSignal does not deliver adverts – this app's presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety.
We have found many instances of AdLoad adware with browser-hijacking capabilities, but we did not observe these qualities while analyzing the OperativeSignal application.
This piece of rogue software likely has data-tracking functionalities. Advertising-supported software typically gathers browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. This sensitive data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like OperativeSignal on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OperativeSignal |
| 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. |
Adware examples
NetProcess, UsualAccess, and EngineRotator are merely a few examples of adware-type apps we have examined recently. Software within this classification tends to appear legitimate and innocuous. It may also offer various features that are usually fake and nonoperational – their purpose is to entice users into downloading/installing the adware.
Note that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did OperativeSignal install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the system.
Advertising-supported software is also promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Users mainly enter these pages via redirects generated by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Some intrusive adverts are capable of executing scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. These advertisements are used to proliferate adware as well.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so on.
We advise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look ordinary/innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OperativeSignal, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OperativeSignal adware's installation is over:
OperativeSignal 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 OperativeSignal?
- STEP 1. Remove OperativeSignal related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OperativeSignal ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OperativeSignal adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OperativeSignal ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove OperativeSignal adware using Combo Cleaner:
OperativeSignal adware removal:
Remove OperativeSignal-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software delivers adverts that endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. It enables the placement of adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can generate redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content endorsement (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OperativeSignal adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate adware-type applications present. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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