How to remove the FiberOpticLauncher adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is FiberOpticLauncher?
While reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal website, our research team discovered the FiberOpticLauncher application. After inspecting this piece of software, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family.
Advertising-supported software is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and potentially hazardous ads.
FiberOpticLauncher adware overview
Adware typically displays advertisements on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. This third-party graphical content can significantly decrease the browsing experience.
However, it is pertinent to mention that certain conditions may be required for this software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to specific sites, etc.). Regardless of whether FiberOpticLauncher delivers ads – the app's presence on a device threatens system safety and user privacy.
Adware-displayed adverts can promote online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Note that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers seeking to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the promoted content's affiliate programs.
While we have found many applications from the AdLoad group that exhibit browser-hijacking capabilities, we did not observe these qualities during our analysis of FiberOpticLauncher.
It must be mentioned that data-tracking functionalities are common for advertising-supported software, and this might be true of FiberOpticLauncher.
Targeted information can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like FiberOpticLauncher on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by FiberOpticLauncher |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), 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
CharacterRecord, AccessibilityUnit, HardDriveThread, ActiveSource, and EscapeDaemonFormat are merely some of our latest articles on adware. This software rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious; it tends to look ordinary and innocuous.
Adware can also offer a broad range of useful and advantageous functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not guarantee legitimacy or safety.
How did FiberOpticLauncher install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional webpages, which may appear legitimate. It is also endorsed on scam sites that use scare tactics or other false claims.
These pages are primarily accessed via redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).
Additionally, advertising-supported software can be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installations (e.g., skipping sections, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – pose a threat of bundled content infiltrating the device.
Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to research software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
Fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless – therefore, we advise being vigilant while browsing. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, scam-promoting, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads and/or redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with FiberOpticLauncher, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once FiberOpticLauncher adware's installation is over:
FiberOpticLauncher 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 FiberOpticLauncher?
- STEP 1. Remove FiberOpticLauncher related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove FiberOpticLauncher ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove FiberOpticLauncher adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove FiberOpticLauncher ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove FiberOpticLauncher adware using Combo Cleaner:
FiberOpticLauncher adware removal:
Remove FiberOpticLauncher-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. However, serious threats may be posed by the content promoted through adware-delivered ads (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software is also considered a danger to user privacy, as it usually possesses data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. As the naming implies, its purpose is to generate revenue through advertising. This is typically achieved through harmful capabilities such as displaying third-party graphical content on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue through content promotion (e.g., sites, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove FiberOpticLauncher adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate all manner of threats, including adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, file remnants stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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