Removal instructions for BinaryOptimizer adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is BinaryOptimizer?
BinaryOptimizer is a rogue application that our research team discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this app, we determined that it is adware. It is also pertinent to mention that BinaryOptimizer belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
BinaryOptimizer adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, software within this classification enables the placement of ads on various interfaces.
The adverts endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Furthermore, when clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that while legitimate content can be encountered through these ads – it is unlikely to be promoted in this manner by its actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Additionally, AdLoad adware tends to have browser-hijacking functionalities. However, BinaryOptimizer did not exhibit such abilities during our analysis.
What is more, this rogue application likely has data-tracking capabilities. Advertising-supported software usually collects the following information: browsing and search engine histories, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. This sensitive information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like BinaryOptimizer on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by BinaryOptimizer |
| 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 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), 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), 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
LauncherProgress, NanoAccess, MetroToken, and FractionCommand are just some examples of adware that we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate, ordinary, and harmless. However, any "useful" features it offers are usually nonoperational. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as advertised – that is not proof of its legitimacy or safety.
How did BinaryOptimizer install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional sites, and it is often endorsed on scam pages. Most visitors to such websites enter them via redirects caused by misspelled URLs, webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to proliferate adware. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive ads as well. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software prior to downloading/installing or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources.
It is just as important to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive adverts may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep encountering ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with BinaryOptimizer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once BinaryOptimizer adware's installation is over:
BinaryOptimizer 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
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Quick menu:
- What is BinaryOptimizer?
- STEP 1. Remove BinaryOptimizer related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove BinaryOptimizer ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove BinaryOptimizer adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove BinaryOptimizer ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove BinaryOptimizer adware using Combo Cleaner:
BinaryOptimizer adware removal:
Remove BinaryOptimizer-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 displays advertisements that promote harmful content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). What is more, this software may be able to collect highly vulnerable information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces. Additionally, some types can cause redirects and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove BinaryOptimizer adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Therefore, it is paramount to remove adware thoroughly.
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