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How to uninstall OpticalSkill from a computer

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

What kind of application is OpticalSkill?

Upon inspection, the outcome of our examination is that OpticalSkill is adware. This questionable application displays annoying advertisements. Also, OpticalSkill may harvest various information. The methods developers of such apps use for their distribution also raise concerns. Thus, it is recommended to avoid installing OpticalSkill.

OpticalSkill adware

OpticalSkill adware in detail

OpticalSkill, identified as adware upon inspection, presents a concerning behavior that impacts users' digital experiences. First and foremost, the application is notorious for inundating users with annoying and intrusive advertisements. These advertisements disrupt the normal flow of online activities, causing inconvenience and potentially compromising the overall user experience.

The advertisements generated by OpticalSkill have the potential to open a range of websites. Users might find themselves redirected to pages promoting fake software updates, online scams, or other forms of malicious activities. Moreover, some of these ads may be designed to initiate unexpected downloads and installations.

Moreover, OpticalSkill may collect a range of user data, including browsing history, search queries, IP addresses, device information, geolocation data, and unique identifiers. In more invasive examples, personal information like usernames and credit card details may also be gathered. Users should be cautious about the privacy implications and potential misuse of such collected data.

Additionally, apps like OpticalSkill can significantly affect system performance, leading to sluggishness and potential disruptions. Users may experience a decline in the efficiency of their devices, further emphasizing the negative consequences associated with such unwanted software.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by OpticalSkill
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), 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 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

In conclusion, OpticalSkill is a shady app known for displaying intrusive ads and possibly collecting user data. The unclear distribution methods and potential privacy risks highlight the need for users to be cautious. Users are advised to exercise caution and employ reputable security measures to mitigate the risks associated with adware like OpticalSkill.

More examples of similar programs are SystemCyberspace, InputScheduler, and ClearPartition.

How did OpticalSkill install on my computer?

Users often overlook included adware when they install free or questionable software and agree to install it by leaving the default settings unchanged. Usually, it happens when users do not change "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings or leave checkboxes ticked.

Some adware-type apps may be disguised as legitimate applications or software updates, tricking users into downloading and installing them voluntarily. Engaging with dubious links in emails, shady ads, and pop-ups and trusting P2P networks, third-party app stores, and similar sources can also lead to downloading and installing adware.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Stick to reputable and official sources for downloading applications. Avoid downloading software from unfamiliar websites, P2P networks, third-party app stores, etc. Before downloading an application, read user reviews and check ratings. Opt for custom or advanced installation options (deselect unwanted apps) when installing software.

Refrain from clicking on suspicious links in emails, pop-ups, or dubious websites. Keep your operating system and all installed applications up to date, and use reputable antivirus or anti-malware software. If your computer is already infected with OpticalSkill, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

The message that appears after the installation of OpticalSkill app:

OpticalSkill adware pop-up displayed once installation is done

OpticalSkill's installation folder:

OpticalSkill adware 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 OpticalSkill adware using Combo Cleaner:

OpticalSkill adware removal:

Remove OpticalSkill-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 disrupt the user experience with intrusive ads, compromise privacy through unauthorized data collection, and impact system performance, causing slowdowns.

What does adware do?

All advertising-supported applications display advertisements. Also, they can be designed to gather information and change the settings of web browsers.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Developers of adware primarily earn income by endorsing diverse products, pages, or services, with the majority of their revenue generated through participation in affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove OpticalSkill adware?

Combo Cleaner scans computers and removes adware-type applications (and other unwanted apps). Manual removal is not always perfect, as some components can remain active after removal. Thus, users are advised to use tools like Combo Cleaner for removal.

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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.

QR Code
Ads by OpticalSkill QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by OpticalSkill on your mobile device.
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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.