How to remove the OptimalAnalyzer adware-type app and the ads it displays

What kind of application is OptimalAnalyzer?

While inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal website, our researchers found the OptimalAnalyzer application. Upon investigation, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware group. OptimalAnalyzer is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.

OptimalAnalyzer adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, overlays, etc.) on visited websites or different interfaces.

However, specific conditions may be required for adware to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether OptimalAnalyzer delivers adverts – it endangers device integrity and user privacy.

The advertisements displayed by adware can promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

It is worth mentioning 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 motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the promoted content's affiliate programs.

AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking abilities – however, we did not observe these qualities during our analysis of OptimalAnalyzer.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to the OptimalAnalyzer app. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like OptimalAnalyzer on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by OptimalAnalyzer
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware examples

ExplorerRecord, ExtendedModule, MatrixObsession, and LocalAdmin are merely a few of our latest articles on adware. This software typically appears legitimate and innocuous. It can also offer a broad range of useful functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be mentioned 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 OptimalAnalyzer install on my computer?

"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the threat of bundled content infiltrating the system.

Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most visitors enter these pages via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, websites using rogue advertising networks, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software before downloading or purchasing. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing, as fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears genuine and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins If your computer is already infected with OptimalAnalyzer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once OptimalAnalyzer adware's installation is over:

OptimalAnalyzer 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 OptimalAnalyzer?
• STEP 1. Remove OptimalAnalyzer related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove OptimalAnalyzer ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove OptimalAnalyzer adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove OptimalAnalyzer ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove OptimalAnalyzer adware using Combo Cleaner:

OptimalAnalyzer adware removal:

Remove OptimalAnalyzer-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 ads promote harmful content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infection, financial losses, etc.). This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. Its primary functions can include placing advertisements on various interfaces, 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, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit is made via affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove OptimalAnalyzer adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, file leftovers stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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