How to eliminate OperativeNavigation adware from Mac

What kind of application is OperativeNavigation?

Our researchers discovered OperativeNavigation while inspecting new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After examining this application, we determine that it is advertising-supported software (adware). Pvadinimas is part of the AdLoad malware family.

OperativeNavigation adware overview

The purpose of adware is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. Typically, this software operates by displaying advertisements (e.g., overlays, pop-ups, banners, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.

However, advertising-supported software might not work as designed if the browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether OperativeNavigation delivers ads – the app remains a threat to device/user safety.

Adware-displayed adverts can promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and malware. Some can even perform sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.

While legitimate products or services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed by any official parties. This endorsement is most likely undertaken by scammers who abuse the promoted content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

It is pertinent to mention that AdLoad applications are known to have browser-hijacking abilities – however, OperativeNavigation did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.

Advertising-supported software tends to have data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to OperativeNavigation. Adware may collect browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, advertising-supported software is associated with the following risks – system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Adware examples

SatelliteDiscovery, Member.app, and Unsceptical.app are merely a few of our newest articles on Mac-specific adware. Software within this category rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious; it tends to look ordinary and harmless.

Adware can offer a broad range of "useful" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Remember that even if an app or a browser extension operates exactly as advertised – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.

How did OperativeNavigation install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing method, which involves packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements. These installation setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, and other suspicious sources.

The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is furthered by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps or sections, using the "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking webpages and scam sites. They are most commonly accessed via redirects produced by intrusive adverts, websites that employ rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and adware (with the ability to force-open sites).

Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. Some of these ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

Caution is key to device/user safety. Therefore, always research software before downloading or purchasing it. Download only from official and trustworthy channels. Approach installations with care by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.

Additionally, be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

Should you keep encountering such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OperativeNavigation, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once OperativeNavigation adware's installation is over:

OperativeNavigation adware's installation folder:

Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

• What is OperativeNavigation?
• STEP 1. Remove OperativeNavigation related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove OperativeNavigation ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove OperativeNavigation adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove OperativeNavigation ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

OperativeNavigation adware removal:

Remove OperativeNavigation-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?

Typically, the most severe threats are posed by the content endorsed through adware-delivered ads, including system infections, privacy issues, and financial losses. The presence of this software on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware also tends to have data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs through content promotion. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove OperativeNavigation adware?

Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate all kinds of threats, including adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various components (files) can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, adware and other unwanted software must be eliminated thoroughly.