How to remove OperativeIndexer adware-type app from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is OperativeIndexer?
OperativeIndexer is a rogue application discovered by our research team during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
OperativeIndexer adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. Typically, software within this classification enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, surveys, banners, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
However, advertising-supported software might not work as intended if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, particular sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether OperativeIndexer displays advertisements – its presence on a system remains a threat to device/user safety.
Adware-delivered adverts can promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and malware. Some of these advertisements can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the promoted content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It is worth mentioning that AdLoad adware-type applications often have browser-hijacking capabilities. However, we did not observe them during our analysis of the OperativeIndexer app.
Additionally, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of OperativeIndexer. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like OperativeIndexer on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OperativeIndexer |
| 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.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to the 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
WebTemplate, MajorRecord, SyncRemote, ElementEntry, and GlobalHelper are merely some of our newest articles on Mac-specific adware. Software within this classification rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious; it tends to look ordinary and innocuous.
Adware often offers a broad range of "useful" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these features are usually fake and nonoperational. Remember that even if a piece of software functions exactly as advertised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did OperativeIndexer install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing method, which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements.
These pre-packed setups can be downloaded from freeware and free fire-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspicious sources. The risk of allowing this content into the system is furthered by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. They are mainly accessed via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OperativeIndexer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OperativeIndexer adware's installation is over:
OperativeIndexer 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 OperativeIndexer?
- STEP 1. Remove OperativeIndexer related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OperativeIndexer ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OperativeIndexer adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OperativeIndexer ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
OperativeIndexer adware removal:
Remove OperativeIndexer-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. Advertisements delivered by this software can promote content capable of causing system infections, financial losses, and other severe issues. Additionally, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it typically collects private information.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by promoting content (e.g., websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc.). The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OperativeIndexer adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your system and remove installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. After the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) can stay hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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