Removal instructions for the OpticalClient adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is OpticalClient?
Our researchers found the OpticalClient adware-type app during a routine inspection of new file submissions to VirusTotal. OpticalClient belongs to the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns.
OpticalClient adware overview
Adware typically enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) on visited webpages, desktops, or other interfaces.
Certain conditions may be required for adware to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether OpticalClient displays advertisements – it remains a threat to device and user safety.
Adware-delivered adverts can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that while legitimate content may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is performed by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Additionally, AdLoad applications often possess browser-hijacking abilities. However, OpticalClient did not exhibit these functionalities during our analysis.
Furthermore, OpticalClient likely collects sensitive data, as such capabilities are standard for adware. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like OpticalClient on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OpticalClient |
| 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
We have investigated numerous adware-type apps; ProjectSet, ProductConfig, ClientPartition, RotatorService, and ElementaryLaunch are merely some of our latest articles.
Advertising-supported software usually appears useful and offers various 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 a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did OpticalClient install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The threat of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Furthermore, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most visitors access them via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and hazardous (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering ads/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 OpticalClient, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OpticalClient adware's installation is over:
OpticalClient 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 OpticalClient?
- STEP 1. Remove OpticalClient related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OpticalClient ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OpticalClient adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OpticalClient ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
OpticalClient adware removal:
Remove OpticalClient-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. Ads delivered by this software promote content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OpticalClient adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your device and remove detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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