How to uninstall ActiveOptimization adware from the operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is ActiveOptimization?
ActiveOptimization is a rogue app with adware and browser hijacker traits. Furthermore, software products of this type are also classified as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).
ActiveOptimization adware overview
Adware can enable the placement of pop-ups, banners, surveys, and other intrusive advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. These ads overlay webpage content and slow down the browsing speed. What is more, they endanger device and user safety.
The delivered adverts endorse various untrustworthy, deceptive/scam, compromised, and malicious websites. Some intrusive adverts are even capable of stealthily downloading/installing software (e.g., PUAs) - when clicked.
Browser hijackers assign fake web searcher addresses as browsers' default search engine, new browser tab/window, and homepage URLs. Hence, new browser tabs/windows opened and web searches performed via the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address.
Fraudulent search engines usually cannot generate search results, so they redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other genuine ones. Hijacker software also uses persistence-ensuring techniques - to stop users from recovering their browsers.
Adware and browser hijackers usually have data tracking abilities, and this applies to ActiveOptimization as well. Information of interest includes: browsing activity, personally identifiable details, account usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ActiveOptimization |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.25074), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Fortinet (Adware/Synataeb!OSX), 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), 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. |
Adware in general
TaskBoard, OnlineTab, PlusMethod, ExploreService, and ProductionElements are some examples of apps within the adware classification. It appears genuine and offers "useful" functionalities, which are usually fake. This applies to nearly all PUAs. The sole purpose of unwanted software is to generate profit for the developers; therefore, functionality and user safety are irrelevant.
How did ActiveOptimization install on my computer?
PUAs are spread using the "bundling" marketing tactic - packing regular programs with various supplements. Rushed downloads/installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system. Additionally, once clicked on, intrusive adverts can make downloads/installations without user consent. Some PUAs also have "official" download pages.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is advised to research software and download it from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - often offer bundled and harmful content.
When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions. Intrusive advertisements appear legitimate yet redirect to various questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the system must be checked and all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed. If your computer is already infected with ActiveOptimization, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ActiveOptimization adware's installation is over:
ActiveOptimization adware's installation folder:
ActiveOptimization adware installed onto a Safari browser:
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:
- What is ActiveOptimization?
- STEP 1. Remove ActiveOptimization related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ActiveOptimization ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ActiveOptimization adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ActiveOptimization ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ActiveOptimization adware using Combo Cleaner:
ActiveOptimization adware removal:
Remove ActiveOptimization-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software typically has data tracking abilities, which make it a threat to user privacy. What is more, adware-displayed ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause other serious problems.
What does adware do?
Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, it displays various advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by promoting various applications, websites, products, services, and so forth. The developers of this software may get commission from ad clicks, website visits, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ActiveOptimization adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. On the other hand, manual removal might not be an ideal solution. Sometimes, various leftover files remain hidden within the system despite the software having been removed. Furthermore, such components can continue running and causing issues.
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