How to remove OptimalSync adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
How to remove OptimalSync from Mac?
What is OptimalSync?
Like most adware-type applications, OptimalSync is designed to generate revenue for its developers by serving advertisements. Also, it may be designed to operate as a browser hijacker and promote questionable addresses (e.g., some fake engine) by changing certain browser settings. It is worthwhile to mention that apps like OptimalSync often are designed to collect information related to user's browsing habits (and/or other data) as well. More often than not users download and install adware (and browser hijackers) unintentionally, therefore, such apps are categorized as potentially unwanted applications.
It is common that adware-type applications serve coupons, banners, pop-ups, surveys, and/or other types of advertisements that are designed to promote (open) untrustworthy, potentially malicious pages. In some cases they are designed to execute scripts that cause downloads (or even installations) of potentially unwanted apps. As mentioned in the introduction, OptimalSync could be designed to promote some fake search engine and/or questionable websites. Typically, apps of this type promote fake search engines by changing browser settings such as address of a homepage, new tab, default search engine and do not allow users to modify these settings as long those apps are installed. Furthermore, apps like OptimalSync can function as information tracking tools designed to collect browsing-related information. For example, IP addresses, addresses of visited web pages, entered search queries, geolocations, etc. Although, there are many adware-type apps designed to collect sensitive, personal details. What is worse, there is always a possibility that their developers could sell gathered data to third parties (potentially cyber criminals) or misuse it to generate revenue in other ways. Therefore, users who have apps like OptimalSync installed on a browser and/or computers may experience issues related to browsing safety, online privacy, or even become victims of identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OptimalSync |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| 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), fake Flash Player installers, 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. |
In most cases adware-type (and other potentially unwanted apps) are advertised as legitimate, useful applications: they supposed to improve browsing experience, provide quick access to various websites, include some features, etc. However, more often they are useless and can cause various issues. Therefore, if an app of this type is installed on a browser and/or computer, then it should be uninstalled. Some examples of other adware are ExtendedWindow, PracticalProcesser and ExpandedProgram.
How did OptimalSync install on my computer?
It is common that users download and/or install potentially unwanted apps alongside with other programs. More precisely, when PUAs are included in download and/or installation setups of those programs as additional offers and users do no decline them. Typically, such offers can be declined in "Advanced", "Custom", "Manual" or other settings of setups. This distribution method of PUAs is called "bundling". In some cases unintentional downloads and/or installations can be caused by clicking advertisements that are designed to execute certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
If a download and/or installation setup has settings like "Advanced", "Custom", then they should not be left unchecked. It is common that the aforementioned settings can be used to declined offers to download and/or install unwanted software. Also, it is advised not to download (or install) software through third party downloaders (or installers), Peer-to-Peer networks like torrent clients, eMule, questionable, unofficial websites, etc. It should be downloaded only from official, trustworthy websites and via direct links. Advertisements that appear on untrustworthy pages can be designed to other untrustworthy websites, or even cause downloads, installations of unwanted apps. Therefore, such ads should not be clicked as well. If some suspicious, unwanted, unknown extension, plug-in or add-on is installed on a web browser, then it should be uninstalled. The same applies to software of this kind that is installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with OptimalSync, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OptimalSync installation is over:
OptimalSync's installation folder:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer 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 three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- What is OptimalSync?
- STEP 1. Remove OptimalSync related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OptimalSync ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OptimalSync adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OptimalSync ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
OptimalSync adware removal:
Remove OptimalSync-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 ads by optimalsync 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 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 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 in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure 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 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 it's virus definition database and click "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.
Ads by OptimalSync removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by optimalsync related Safari extensions:
Open 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 normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove ads by optimalsync related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the "Open Menu" (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose "Add-ons".
Choose the "Extensions" tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Remove" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove ads by optimalsync related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose "More Tools" and select "Extensions".
In the "Extensions" window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Trash" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Outstanding!
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