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How to uninstall ValueOptimizer

Also Known As: Ads by ValueOptimizer
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is ValueOptimizer?

After testing ValueOptimizer, we found that it generates intrusive ads (making it adware), and several security vendors have flagged the app as malicious. The ads displayed by ValueOptimizer may contain misleading information and offers that aim to deceive users into visiting fraudulent websites or taking harmful actions.

ValueOptimizer adware

ValueOptimizer adware in detail

ValueOptimizer can display a variety of intrusive ads, including pop-ups, banners, coupons, and in-text ads. These ads can appear unexpectedly while using a computer and interrupt the user's experience. They can also seem enticing and trick users into interacting with them (clicking them).

Web pages opened through ads from ValueOptimizer can be used to extract personal information from users, like credit card details, login credentials, ID card information, and other details. Also, these sites can trick users into paying for fake or unnecessary products or services. Moreover, they can be used to distribute unwanted and malicious applications.

Furthermore, ValueOptimizer may be designed to collect a range of personal information from users. This may include browsing history, search queries, and websites visited. The app may also track IP addresses and geolocation data, and similar details. Some adware can capture sensitive information like login credentials and credit card details.

This data can be harvested for malicious purposes and sold to third parties, raising privacy concerns. Besides the aforementioned risks, ValueOptimizer can slow down system performance, and its removal can be challenging, as manual efforts may not eliminate all traces of the threat completely. These issues emphasize the importance of removing ValueOptimizer from affected computers.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ValueOptimizer
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.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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
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.

Conclusion

ValueOptimizer is adware that floods users with disruptive ads and can lead to exposure to scams and harmful websites. It is important to exercise caution when downloading and installing apps to prevent encountering such issues. If ValueOptimizer or a similar app is already on your device, it should be uninstalled immediately.

A couple of examples of similar apps are OnlineDeveloper, ArrayEngine, and VirtualProcesser.

How did ValueOptimizer install on my computer?

Adware is frequently installed on devices when it comes bundled with other software, especially if that software is free or not trustworthy. Users who bypass installation steps without checking (and changing) "Advanced", "Custom", or "Manual" settings may unknowingly allow for adware or other offered apps to be installed.

Users can also end up installing adware through deceptive pop-up ads, fake notifications, and dubious links on unreliable websites. Unofficial app stores (and websites), peer-to-peer platforms, third-party downloaders, and similar channels can also be used to distribute adware.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Check user reviews before proceeding with any downloads. Use official web pages or app stores when downloading apps (or files). During installation, choose "Custom" or "Advanced" options to spot and decline any unwanted offers. Do not trust pop-ups, ads, and similar content on untrustworthy websites, and never allow them to send notifications.

It is also important to keep your operating system, security software, and apps up to date. Lastly, use a reliable security solution to safeguard your device and remove any threats. If your computer is already infected with ValueOptimizer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A message that appears after the installation of ValueOptimizer:

ValueOptimizer adware pop-up displayed once installation is finished

ValueOptimizer's installation folder:

ValueOptimizer 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:

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

ValueOptimizer adware removal:

Remove ValueOptimizer-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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 slow down your system, deliver annoying ads, expose you to risky websites, threaten your privacy, change your browser settings without consent, and cause other issues.

What does adware do?

Though adware is mainly intended to display ads, it can also gather user data and perform other actions.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue by advertising websites, products, and services, typically through affiliate programs. They earn commissions whenever users engage with ads, buy products (or pay for services), or complete other actions.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ValueOptimizer adware?

Combo Cleaner is a tool that helps users remove adware and other unwanted software from their computers. Unlike manual removal, which can leave behind hidden files or leftover traces, Combo Cleaner provides a thorough and effective solution.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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