How to remove the OpticalDevice adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is OpticalDevice?
Our researchers discovered the OpticalDevice rogue application while browsing new submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon inspection, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns and may possess other harmful capabilities.
OpticalDevice adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by delivering intrusive ad campaigns. Typically, adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
However, certain conditions may be necessary for this software to function as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific sites, etc.). Even if OpticalDevice does not display adverts – it remains a danger to device integrity and user safety.
The advertisements displayed by adware promote deceptive/malicious content, such as online scams (phishing, technical support, etc.), unreliable/harmful software (adware, browser hijackers, PUAs, etc.), and malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, etc.).
Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern, as some of the ads can carry them out upon being clicked. Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe these qualities during our analysis of OpticalDevice.
Usually, advertising-supported software has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to OpticalDevice. Data of interest may include: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, browser cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. This vulnerable information can be shared with or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like OpticalDevice on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OpticalDevice |
| 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
OnlineDeveloper, VirtualProcesser, ArrayEngine, AgentFrame, and InteropSearch are just a couple of our newest articles on adware.
Software within this classification rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious; it tends to look ordinary and useful. Adware may offer a wide variety of handy functionalities, which are usually fake – since their only purpose is to serve as lures.
It must be emphasized that even if an app or a browser extension operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.
How did OpticalDevice install on my computer?
The bundling marketing technique, which involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to proliferate adware.
These installation setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspicious channels. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is furthered by negligence when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps or sections, using the "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Furthermore, adware is promoted on genuine-looking download pages and scam websites. Users access these webpages primarily via redirects produced by sites that employ rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements also spread advertising-supporting software through stealthy downloads/installations. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform them without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software before downloading/purchasing. All downloads must be made from official and verified sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
Should you keep encountering adverts/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 OpticalDevice, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OpticalDevice adware's installation is over:
OpticalDevice 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 OpticalDevice?
- STEP 1. Remove OpticalDevice related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OpticalDevice ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OpticalDevice adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OpticalDevice ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
OpticalDevice adware removal:
Remove OpticalDevice-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 diminished browsing experience and system performance, system infections, serious privacy issues, and financial losses. Most of these threats are posed by the content promoted through adware-delivered ads. The software itself may negatively impact the device's performance and be a security concern due to possible data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Typically, it functions by displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. Some adware types can also generate redirects and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content endorsement. The developers/publishers 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 OpticalDevice adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate adware-type applications that are present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be an ideal solution. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion