If you want to get rid of EssentialOptimize app on Mac, then make sure to follow the steps in this removal guide article. The steps presented below can help you remove the unwanted program and strengthen the security of your macOS.
EssentialOptimize Mac Adware
EssentialOptimize Mac Adware as a malware for Mac computers can infect target victims via different strategies. This will depend on the target users and the preferences set by the hacking group. The collected samples are not many which shows that this may be a test release campaign.
In this article, we will reveal a few more issues that occur when EssentialOptimize adware is started on a Mac system as well as efficient ways to remove all present harmful files.
Threat Summary
| Name | EssentialOptimize |
| Type | PUP, Adware |
| Short Description | A questionable application that hijacks Mac systems and popular browsers like Safari and Chrome installed on them. Performs browser modifications without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. The program may start every time you start the affected Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss EssentialOptimize. |
Issues Caused by EssentialOptimize Adware on Mac
The EssentialOptimize Adware virus on Mac is a common infection which is directed against end users by an unknown hacking group. At the moment not a lot of security reports concerning it have been issued which means that the first wave is probably still a testing release.
The most common form under which such Mac viruses is the creation and distribution of web browser hijackers which are virus-infected extensions for most popular applications of this type. They will probably be uploaded to the plugin repositories which are used by end users. The criminals will use fake user reviews, developer identities and descriptions in order to fool them into installing the service.
Active infections with the EssentialOptimize Adware on Mac can be caused by the inserting of the relevant code in file carriers — common variants are documents (across all popular file formats) and software installers of software that is commonly retrieved from the Internet.
All virus related data can also be uploaded to file-sharing networks and online communities such as forums, chat rooms and social networks.
One of the first actions that are run by the EssentialOptimize Adware virus engine will probably be the website redirect — the installed module will reconfigure the web browser settings in order to display a hacker-controlled page. Once this page is shown to the victim users they may be tricked into interacting with phishing prompts or being fed with intrusive advertising. To make the sites look trustworthy they may be hosted on domain names that sound similar to well-known services and companies. They may also include self-signed security certificates.
The locally installed modules will also lead to information harvesting — the virus engine can be configured to search for values that can reveal the identity of the victims. The collected information can be used later for blackmail purposes or other related crimes. Any machine data that is captured can be used to construct an unique ID for each system.
System settings changes can include changes to the boot options — if this is done the virus will start automatically when the computer is powered on. Changes to key configuration files can lead to performance issues, data loss and unexpected errors when using the computers.
One of the most dangerous scenarios involves the installation of additional viruses. Common Mac threats can be the following:
- Ransomware — These viruses are designed to find and encrypt target user files according to a built-in list of target file type extensions. The victims will be extorted to pay a decryption fee to the hackers.
- Trojan Horse Infections — They will take over control of the machines and allow the criminals to hijack sensitive data.
- Web Miners — There are small scripts that run complex mathematical tasks. For every completed and reported one the hackers will receive cryptocurrency assets in their wallets. They are usually combined with phishing and intrusive ads on the page.
Remove EssentialOptimize Mac Adware
In order to remove the EssentialOptimize adware program along with all entries it has created on the system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you manual and automatic removal approach. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. Some of the files associated with the adware cannot be removed manually except you are an experienced computer user. So the manual adware removal might be quite a complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic removal and get rid of EssentialOptimize adware with the help of advanced anti-malware tool.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Steps to Prepare Before Removal:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove EssentialOptimize files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as EssentialOptimize, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Step 2: Uninstall EssentialOptimize and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to EssentialOptimize:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to EssentialOptimize. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to EssentialOptimize. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove EssentialOptimize via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as EssentialOptimize. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3: Remove EssentialOptimize – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
EssentialOptimize-FAQ
What is EssentialOptimize on your Mac?
The EssentialOptimize threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down significantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
Can Macs Get Viruses?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that almost all of the Apple devices can become infected with a threat.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the types of threats that can currently infect your Mac can be rogue antivirus programs, adware or hijackers (PUPs), Trojan horses, ransomware and crypto-miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like EssentialOptimize?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.
There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to Secure My Data from EssentialOptimize?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the EssentialOptimize Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this EssentialOptimize how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on EssentialOptimize?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the EssentialOptimize threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.