Removing the ServiceOptimizer adware-type app from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ServiceOptimizer?
Our research team found the ServiceOptimizer application while browsing file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family.
ServiceOptimizer adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. In most cases, this goal is achieved by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, surveys, banners, etc.) on various interfaces.
However, certain conditions may be necessary for adware to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc.). Regardless of whether ServiceOptimizer displays advertisements – it remains a threat to device and user safety.
Adware-delivered ads can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and malware. Some of them can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Note that any genuine products or services encountered via these adverts are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that AdLoad adware often possesses browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe these qualities during our analysis of the ServiceOptimizer application.
Advertising-supported software usually collects sensitive information, and ServiceOptimizer might also have such data-tracking functionalities.
Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, adware is associated with the following risks – system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ServiceOptimizer |
| 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
OriginalAccessibility, FastFix, ChannelType, and SyncUpgrade are just some of our newest articles on adware. This software typically appears legitimate and useful. It may also offer a wide variety of handy features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension functions exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did ServiceOptimizer install on my computer?
"Bundling" – the marketing technique that involves packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware.
These setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other dubious sources. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is furthered by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps or sections, using the "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Furthermore, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites. They are primarily accessed via redirects produced by websites that employ rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
Caution is essential to device/user safety. Therefore, always research software before downloading or purchasing. Download only from official and trustworthy channels. When installing, study terms and options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, features, etc.).
Additionally, be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ServiceOptimizer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ServiceOptimizer adware's installation is over:
ServiceOptimizer 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 ServiceOptimizer?
- STEP 1. Remove ServiceOptimizer related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ServiceOptimizer ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ServiceOptimizer adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ServiceOptimizer ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
ServiceOptimizer adware removal:
Remove ServiceOptimizer-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 is associated with many risks, including diminished system performance, decreased browsing quality, system infections, privacy issues, and financial losses. Most of the threats are posed by the content promoted through adware-delivered advertisements.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary function is to display advertisements on various interfaces (e.g., visited webpages, desktops, etc.). However, some adware types can also generate redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion. The developers/publishers may earn commissions from ad clicks, file downloads, website visits, product purchases, service subscriptions, and similar. The majority of the profit is made via affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ServiceOptimizer adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is a noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be a perfect solution. After the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) can remain hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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