OptimalSync Adware (Mac)

What is OptimalSync?

Like most adware-type applications, OptimalSync is designed to generate revenue for the developers by serving advertisements. It might also be designed to operate as a browser hijacker and promote dubious addresses (e.g., those of fake search engines) by changing certain browser settings.

Note that apps such as OptimalSync often collect information relating to users' browsing habits and other data. Generally, users download and install adware (and browser hijackers) unintentionally. Therefore, these apps are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

OptimalSync adware

Commonly, adware-type applications serve coupons, banners, pop-ups, surveys, and other types of advertisements that promote (open) untrusted, potentially malicious pages. In some cases, they execute scripts that cause download/installation of potentially unwanted apps.

As mentioned, OptimalSync could be designed to promote a fake search engine and/or dubious websites. Typically, apps of this type promote fake search engines by changing browser settings such as the address of the homepage, new tab, and default search engine.

They do not allow users to modify these settings as long the apps are installed. Furthermore, apps such as 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.

Many adware-type apps collect sensitive, personal details. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the developers could sell gathered data to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) or misuse it to generate revenue in other ways.

If you have apps such as OptimalSync installed on browsers and/or computer, you may experience issues relating to browsing safety, online privacy or even become a victim of identity theft.

Threat Summary:
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 (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

In most cases, adware-type (and other potentially unwanted apps) are advertised as legitimate, useful applications. They supposedly improve the browsing experience, provide quick access to websites, include various features, etc. In fact, they are useless and can cause serious issues.

Therefore, uninstall all PUAs immediately from browsers/computers. Some examples of other adware are ExtendedWindow, PracticalProcesser and ExpandedProgram.

How did OptimalSync install on my computer?

Commonly, users download and install potentially unwanted apps with other programs - when PUAs are included into the download and/or installation set-ups of those programs as 'additional offers', and users fail to decline them.

Typically, such offers can be declined in "Advanced", "Custom", "Manual" or other settings of set-ups. This PUA distribution method is called "bundling". In some cases, unintentional downloads and installations are caused by clicking advertisements that execute certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Check all "Advanced" and "Custom" settings and decline offers to download or install unwanted software. Do not download or install software through third party downloaders/installers, Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule, dubious, unofficial websites, etc.

Use official, trustworthy websites and direct links. Do not click advertisements that appear on untrusted pages, since they can open other untrusted websites or even cause download/installation of unwanted apps. Remove any suspicious, unwanted, unknown extension, plug-in and add-ons installed on the browser.

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 Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once OptimalSync installation is complete:

pop-up displayed once OptimalSync installation is done

OptimalSync installation folder:

optimalsync adware contents folder

Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner

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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

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:

mac browser hijacker removal from 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.

DOWNLOAD remover for malware infections

Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

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 1 Check 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 2 Check 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 3 Check 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

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4 Check 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 5 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.

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

Remove 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.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

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".