How to remove the OptimalUnit adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
How to remove OptimalUnit from Mac?
What is OptimalUnit?
OptimalUnit functions not only as adware but also as a browser hijacker. More precisely, it not only generates various advertisements but also makes certain changes in browser settings to promote the address of some fake search engine. Also, it is likely that it constantly collects details related to user's browsing activities and/or other information. Most of the times users install (and even download) adware, browser hijackers unintentionally. Therefore, apps of this type are called potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
Like most adware-type apps, OptimalUnit generates coupons, banners, surveys, pop-up ads, and/or ads other types. It is common for ads that are displayed by adware to be designed to promote dubious pages. In some cases even to execute certain scripts and download and/or install some PUA. Also, this app promotes a fake search engines. Typically, apps of this type do that by changing settings such as the address of a default search engine, homepage and/or new to an address of a certain fake search engine.
Furthermore, it is possible that OptimalUnit can read browsing data like addresses of visited websites, entered search queries, geolocations, IP addresses, or even some sensitive information. In such case gathered information could be misused for various malicious purposes, for example - it could be monetized by selling it to third parties, potentially some cyber criminals. This could cause users issues related to web browsing safety, online privacy, some of them may even become victims of identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OptimalUnit |
| 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. |
It is worthwhile to mention that when apps like OptimalUnit change browser settings, those changes cannot be undone unless users uninstall those apps. This (and other things that are mentioned in above paragraphs) is the reason why users should not have adware-type apps and/or browser hijackers installed on a browser (or the operating system). More adware examples are PrimaryProcesser, TypicalInput and LeadingLibrary.
How did OptimalUnit install on my computer?
It is common that users download and install potentially unwanted apps together with other programs. To be more precise, when PUAs are offered in download and/or installation setups of those programs and users do not decline unwanted offers. This distribution method for PUAs is called "bundling". Typically, offers to download PUAs can be declined in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings, or by unticking certain checkboxes. Sometimes users cause unwanted downloads and/or installations by clicking advertisements that are designed to run certain scripts. It is common for such ads to appear on questionable pages.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To avoid unwanted downloads and installations it is advised to download programs from official, trustworthy websites (and via direct download links, and not to use third party downloaders (or installers), torrent clients, eMule (or other Peer-to-Peer networks) unofficial pages, etc. Also, it is recommended not to finish downloads and installations without checking setups for offers to download or install unwanted apps. Advertisements on shady pages should not be clicked as well, those ads could open other pages of this kind or cause unwanted downloads, installations. Unwanted plug-ins, add-ons or extensions that are already installed on a browser should be removed. The same should be done with software of this kind that is installed on a computer (operating system). If your computer is already infected with OptimalUnit, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OptimalUnit installation is over:
OptimalUnit's Contents 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 OptimalUnit?
- STEP 1. Remove OptimalUnit related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OptimalUnit ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OptimalUnit adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OptimalUnit ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove OptimalUnit adware using Combo Cleaner:
OptimalUnit adware removal:
Remove OptimalUnit-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 optimalunit 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 OptimalUnit removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by optimalunit 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 optimalunit 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 optimalunit 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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