How to remove OpticalNavigation adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is OpticalNavigation?
While reviewing new submissions to VirusTotal, our researchers found the OpticalNavigation application. After our analysis, we determined that this app is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. Adware stands for advertising-supported software; it is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.
OpticalNavigation adware overview
Adware operates by running intrusive ad campaigns. Typically, this software displays third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, surveys, etc.) on various interfaces.
Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). Regardless of whether OpticalNavigation delivers advertisements – its presence threatens device and user safety.
Adware-delivered ads promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Note that while genuine content may be encountered via these adverts – it s unlikely to be endorsed by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the promoted product's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad applications often possess browser-hijacking functionalities – however, we did not observe them while testing OpticalNavigation.
Additionally, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to OpticalNavigation. Information of interest can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like OpticalNavigation on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OpticalNavigation |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.4), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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
ElementaryCommand, UpdaterAnalyzer, Sociologist.app, and BasicOperator are merely some of our newest articles on adware.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into downloading/installing by promises of "handy" and "advantageous" features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must stressed that even if a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did OpticalNavigation install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions.
Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and being inattentive when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, intrusive ads proliferate advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware can also have "official" download pages and scam sites. Most visitors enter these webpages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Installations must be approached with caution by studying terms and options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
We advise vigilance when browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with adverts and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OpticalNavigation, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OpticalNavigation adware's installation is over:
OpticalNavigation 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:
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Quick menu:
- What is OpticalNavigation?
- STEP 1. Remove OpticalNavigation related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OpticalNavigation ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OpticalNavigation adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OpticalNavigation ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
OpticalNavigation adware removal:
Remove OpticalNavigation-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-displayed advertisements promote content that can cause system infections, privacy issues, and financial losses. Advertising-supported software can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. Its primary functions can include displaying ads, causing redirects, and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OpticalNavigation adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be ideal. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. These remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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