Removing OperativeHandler adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is OperativeHandler?
During a routine investigation of new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered the OperativeHandler application. We determined that it is adware, and that this app belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
OperativeHandler adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on visited webpages and/or different interfaces. These ads promote various scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Keep in mind that while legitimate content may be encountered via these ads – it is unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by its actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is performed by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
If certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system specs, particular websites not visited, etc.) – advertising-supported software will not deliver intrusive ad campaigns. However, regardless of whether OperativeHandler displays advertisements – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
Additionally, AdLoad apps often have browser hijacker abilities, but we did not observe any while testing OperativeHandler.
Adware typically has data-tracking functionalities, and this likely applies to the OperativeHandler application. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. This vulnerable data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like OperativeHandler on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OperativeHandler |
| 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), 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
NativeTopics, SearchAchive, SampleScheduler, and NanoService are just some examples of adware we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and offer various functionalities. However, the functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that even if an application or browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did OperativeHandler install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" download pages, and it is commonly promoted on scam websites. Users typically enter these webpages via redirects generated by misspelled URLs, sites that employ rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of unintentionally permitting bundled content access into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Adware is spread by intrusive ads as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. We recommend treating installation processes with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, and using the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OperativeHandler, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OperativeHandler adware's installation is over:
OperativeHandler 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 OperativeHandler?
- STEP 1. Remove OperativeHandler related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OperativeHandler ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OperativeHandler adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OperativeHandler ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove OperativeHandler adware using Combo Cleaner:
OperativeHandler adware removal:
Remove OperativeHandler-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?
The presence of adware on a device may result in diminished browsing experience and system performance. This software displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware often has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is classified as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types are capable of generating redirects and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue predominantly through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, apps, browser extensions, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OperativeHandler adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden within the system. The remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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