How to eliminate OperativeService adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is OperativeService?
Our research team found the OperativeService rogue app while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. By analyzing this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
OperativeService adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by running intrusive advert campaigns, i.e., displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
These advertisements endorse various scams, unreliable/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. Note that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It has to be mentioned that adware might not deliver advertisements if the browser/system is incapable, visits to specific websites are not made, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether OperativeService displays adverts - its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
AdLoad advertising-supported software commonly has browser hijacker abilities, and that may apply to OperativeService - however, this app did not exhibit any such traits during testing.
Furthermore, OperativeService likely has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like OperativeService on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OperativeService |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), 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), 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 examples
We have inspected countless adware-type applications; FractionElement, ArchievesOriginal, CrownVanirty, and AdminPerformance are merely some examples. This software usually looks harmless and offers "useful" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did OperativeService install on my computer?
Advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users typically enter these websites through redirects caused by pages that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
This software is also proliferated via fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers. Additionally, adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from dubious sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy channels. Additionally, installation must be treated with caution. Therefore, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.
We recommend being cautious when browsing since illegitimate and malicious material usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive ads can look ordinary and innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., adult-dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
If you encounter ads and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OperativeService, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OperativeService adware's installation is over:
OperativeService adware's 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:
- What is OperativeService?
- STEP 1. Remove OperativeService related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OperativeService ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OperativeService adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OperativeService ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove OperativeService adware using Combo Cleaner:
OperativeService adware removal:
Remove OperativeService-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. It is also deemed to be a privacy threat since this software usually has data-tracking functionalities. Furthermore, adware-delivered adverts promote deceptive and malicious content that can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of force-opening websites and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, etc. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OperativeService adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating installed adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed - various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, adware must be eliminated thoroughly.
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