How to remove OptimalProcesser adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is OptimalProcesser?
Our researchers found the OptimalProcesser adware during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal site. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. OptimalProcesser is designed to feed users with unwanted and potentially dangerous ads.
OptimalProcesser adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It can display advertisements on various interfaces. These ads predominantly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that any genuine content encountered through these advertisements is most likely endorsed by scammers who seek to acquire illegitimate commissions through the abuse of its affiliate programs.
Adware may require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific websites, etc.). However, even if OptimalProcesser does not deliver ads – it remains a threat to device integrity and user safety.
While we have found many instances of AdLoad applications with browser-hijacking abilities – OptimalProcesser did not exhibit these functionalities during testing.
Advertising-supported software usually gathers private information, and data tracking might be among OptimalProcesser's capabilities.
Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, software like OptimalProcesser may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OptimalProcesser |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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
We have investigated countless adware-type apps; ExpandedDivision, MicroProcess, and SearchSmartResults are but a couple of examples.
Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious – it tends to look legitimate and harmless. Users can be enticed into downloading/installing adware by promises of various functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did OptimalProcesser install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Adware is also promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Users primarily access these webpages via redirects caused by sites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears genuine and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless – however, they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OptimalProcesser, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OptimalProcesser adware's installation is over:
OptimalProcesser 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 OptimalProcesser?
- STEP 1. Remove OptimalProcesser related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OptimalProcesser ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OptimalProcesser adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OptimalProcesser ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove OptimalProcesser adware using Combo Cleaner:
OptimalProcesser adware removal:
Remove OptimalProcesser-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 displays ads capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. It can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware is considered to be a threat to user privacy since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. Furthermore, some adware types are also capable of force-opening websites and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, products, services, applications, browser extensions, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OptimalProcesser adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be ideal, as after it – various fire leftovers can stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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