How to remove OperativeData from computers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is OperativeData?
Our analysis of OperativeData has shown that this is an unwanted application functioning as adware. Moreover, security vendors flag OperativeData as malicious. Overall, OperativeData is not a reliable app that can bombard users with deceptive ads and expose them to various online threats. This app should be avoided.
OperativeData adware in detail
OperativeData can deliver pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other intrusive ads containing misleading messages (e.g., fake offers or security warnings). Interacting with these advertisements can lead users to potentially malicious websites and sometimes trigger unwanted downloads and installations.
Web pages promoted through OperativeData's ads can be designed to steal personal information from users, such as credit card details, login credentials, ID card information, or other details. They can also be used to trick users into paying for fake products or services or transferring money to scammers in other forms.
Furthermore, OperativeData might display ads designed to open web pages hosting unwanted and malicious applications capable of hijacking browsers, capturing sensitive data, or performing other actions. Therefore, it is highly advisable not to trust ads coming from apps like OperativeData.
In addition to showing annoying ads, OperativeData may track browsing habits, search queries, and even more personal data, which can be sold to third parties (or misused in other ways). This can compromise user privacy. Additionally, OperativeData can cause devices to slow down, and it may be difficult to uninstall it manually.
If OperativeData is already installed, it is highly advisable to eliminate it as soon as possible.
Name | Ads by OperativeData |
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. |
Conclusion
Adware may seem harmless, but it can lead to privacy issues, system performance problems, and security risks. It is common for adware to be downloaded and installed without realizing it. It is important to remove adware promptly to protect your device and personal information.
Here are more examples of apps classified as adware: InterfaceStyle, EnumeratorValue, and ProgressInitiator.
How did OperativeData install on my computer?
Adware often gets installed when it is bundled with free or untrustworthy software. If users rush through the installation process without reviewing and rejecting unwanted offers under "Advanced", "Custom", or "Manual" settings, they may unknowingly allow adware or other unwanted applications to be installed.
Another common way adware spreads is through misleading pop-ups, fake system alerts, and suspicious links on unreliable websites. It can also be distributed via unofficial/third-party app stores, peer-to-peer sharing platforms, shady sites, third-party download managers, and similar sources.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Before downloading apps and files, check user reviews and ensure you are using official websites or app stores. When installing software, select "Custom" or "Advanced" settings and reject any unwanted extras (if included). Regularly update the operating system and apps.
Avoid interacting with ads, pop-ups, and links on questionable websites, and never permit dubious sites to send notifications. Additionally, use a trustworthy security tool and keep it up to date. If your computer is already infected with OperativeData, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that appears after the installation of OperativeData adware:
OperativeData'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 OperativeData?
- STEP 1. Remove OperativeData related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OperativeData ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OperativeData adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OperativeData ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
OperativeData adware removal:
Remove OperativeData-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?
Software of this type can slow down computers, bombard users with annoying and intrusive advertisements, trigger unwanted redirects and cause privacy and security issues.
What does adware do?
Usually, adware generates advertisements. Additionally, it can be designed to hijack browsers, collect information, or perform similar actions.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers make money by promoting websites, products, and services, often through affiliate programs. They earn commissions when users interact with ads, purchase products, pay for services, or take other specific actions.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OperativeData adware?
Combo Cleaner is a powerful tool designed to help users remove adware and other unwanted software from their computers. Unlike manual removal, which may leave hidden files or remnants behind, Combo Cleaner offers a comprehensive and efficient solution for complete removal.
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