How to remove OpticalManager adware from macOS
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is OpticalManager?
Our researchers discovered OpticalManager during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After examining this app, we learned that it is adware. OpticalManager belongs to the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to deliver intrusive ad campaigns.
OpticalManager adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, overlays, and other ads) on various interfaces.
The software might not function as intended if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether OpticalManager delivers advertisements – it remains a threat to device and user safety.
Adware-displayed advertisements can promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can even execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Legitimate products or services may be encountered via these ads, but they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the promoted content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
While AdLoad adware often exhibits browser-hijacking capabilities – we did not observe them during our analysis of the OpticalManager application.
Usually, advertising-supported software has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to OpticalManager. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, browser cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. This sensitive information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like OpticalManager on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OpticalManager |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), 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 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
MajorBuffer, CommonFunction, and DynamicSector are just a couple of our latest articles on adware. It typically appears legitimate and offers "handy" functions. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.
Remember that even if an application or a browser extension works exactly as advertised – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.
How did OpticalManager install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional webpages and is endorsed on scam sites. They are primarily accessed through redirects produced by intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open pages).
This software can also be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements as well. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
Researching software before downloading or purchasing is crucial. All downloads must be made from official and verified sources. When installing, it is important to study terms and options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Additionally, vigilance is paramount when browsing since the Internet is full of well-disguised fake and dangerous content. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OpticalManager, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OpticalManager adware's installation is over:
OpticalManager 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 OpticalManager?
- STEP 1. Remove OpticalManager related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OpticalManager ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OpticalManager adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OpticalManager ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
OpticalManager adware removal:
Remove OpticalManager-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. The presence of the software on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware is also classed as a privacy threat since it usually gathers sensitive user information.
What does adware do?
Adware aims to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. This goal may be achieved by displaying ads on various interfaces, producing redirects, and collecting/selling private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove OpticalManager adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. These components may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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