Removal instructions for the OptimizerGrid adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is OptimizerGrid?
OptimizerGrid is a rogue application discovered by our research team during a routine review of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Upon inspection, we determined that this app is advertising-supported software (adware). OptimizerGrid belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
OptimizerGrid adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. The goal is typically achieved by feeding users with unwanted and potentially dangerous advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, etc.) can be displayed on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others.
It is noteworthy that advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). Yet even if OptimizerGrid does not deliver ads – the app's presence on a system remains a threat to device/user safety.
Adware-displayed adverts can promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations. Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
While we have found many instances of AdLoad applications with browser hijacker abilities, the OptimizerGrid adware did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.
Software within this classification usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to OptimizerGrid. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, software like OptimizerGrid may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OptimizerGrid |
| 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
UpgradeDivision, UpgradeFormat, InputSync, NanoData, CentralHint, and SkillChange are merely some adware-type apps we have investigated recently.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers various features. However, these functionalities rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did OptimizerGrid install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. These pages may be entered through redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive adverts proliferate adware as well. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (apps, extensions, features, etc.).
We also advise being cautious while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – however, they redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OptimizerGrid, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OptimizerGrid adware's installation is over:
OptimizerGrid 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
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Quick menu:
- What is OptimizerGrid?
- STEP 1. Remove OptimizerGrid related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OptimizerGrid ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OptimizerGrid adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OptimizerGrid ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove OptimizerGrid adware using Combo Cleaner:
OptimizerGrid adware removal:
Remove OptimizerGrid-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-delivered advertisements promote content that may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Furthermore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy, as adware usually gathers sensitive information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying adverts on various interfaces, and this software may also be capable of force-opening websites and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion. Its developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OptimizerGrid adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers stay hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware and other undesirable software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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