How to eliminate the SmartOperator adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is SmartOperator?
Our research team found the SmartOperator application during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Our investigation revealed that this piece of software is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
Advertising-supported software usually operates by displaying intrusive advertisements, but it may also possess other harmful capabilities.
SmartOperator adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. This goal is typically achieved by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, overlays, surveys, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
However, advertising-supported software might not operate as intended if the browser/system is incompatible, particular sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether SmartOperator displays advertisements – its presence on the system threatens device and user safety.
Adware-delivered ads can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern, as some of the adverts can carry them out upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking abilities. However, SmartOperator did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.
What is more, adware tends to have data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of SmartOperator. The software may target browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. This sensitive data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SmartOperator |
| 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 written about thousands of adware-type applications; NetworkSource, RecordTransaction, OpticalClient, and ProgressMapper are just a few of our newest articles.
Advertising-supported software rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and innocuous. Additionally, adware can offer a broad range of useful functionalities, which are usually fake and nonoperational.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software functions as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did SmartOperator install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. These pre-packed installation setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, and other suspicious channels.
The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is furthered by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps/sections, using the "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Another distribution technique for adware is promotion on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Most users access them via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing. All downloads must be made from official and trustworthy sources. Installations must be approached with caution by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of additional apps, extensions, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – however, they redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering adverts/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SmartOperator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SmartOperator adware's installation is over:
SmartOperator 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 SmartOperator?
- STEP 1. Remove SmartOperator related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SmartOperator ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SmartOperator adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SmartOperator ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
SmartOperator adware removal:
Remove SmartOperator-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?
The presence of advertising-supported software on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software displays ads that can endorse content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware is classified as a privacy threat since it usually collects sensitive user data.
What does adware do?
Adware typically operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of force-opening webpages and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., websites, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove SmartOperator adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove installed adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, following the adware's manual removal – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is paramount.
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