Have you been trying to get rid of OptimalUnit Mac app? Below you can find steps that will help you remove this unwanted program and strengthen the macOS security.
OptimalUnit Mac Adware
OptimalUnit is a program that gets installed on Apple Mac devices without their owners being aware of the process. It is, in fact, an app that operates as adware. Adware is a potentially unwanted program that can generate for its developers by delivering ads on browsers it affects. The scary part is that ads by OptimalUnit may be related to dubious/hacked sites, which, in turn, means that it may present you with online scams, rogue apps, and malicious software. Interacting with such sites may endanger your online security and put your device at risk of malware infections.
Threat Summary
| Name | OptimalUnit Adware |
| Type | PUP, Adware |
| Short Description | A questionable application compatible with Mac operating systems. Aims to generate revenue for its developers by displaying annoying ads. 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. It may replicate itself with different names. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Websites, Fake Software Updates |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss OptimalUnit Adware. |
Issues Caused by OptimalUnit Adware on Mac
The specific about the installation of OptimalUnit Mac adware is that it happens in the backgroud of all other running processes.
Such an issue occurs with shady methods of distribution like software bundling, sites that generate fake pop-up notifications, misleading ads, and other rogue apps.
Software bundling is the method that is considered to be preferred by fraudsters. It enables unwanted apps like OptimalUnit to get installed on macOS via the installers of various supposedly useful apps. Being hidden into the installation set up of different programs, OptimalUnit tricks people into running it on their Macs.
How to protect your Mac from adware in the future? Make sure to read carefully all details listed in the setups of newly downloaded apps. Take a special look at the information presented under the Advanced/Custom step. Doing this will help you notice unwanted extra apps and opt-out of their installation.
The moment OptimalUnit adware obtains access to a macOS, it triggers a sequence of operations that disrupt the overall security in one way or another. After the potentially unwanted program applies certain modifications, it starts spying on your online behavior with the goal to inform its owners what type of ads you will be more prone to visit.
Next, you may start experiencing annoying browser redirects to bogus websites, pop-up ads, and slower browser performance. Since the ads are selected with one thing in mind – revenue for fraudsters, they may not always link to trustworthy sources. As a result, you may visit sites that host harmful/malicious content.
Better refrain from visiting questionable sponsored content before you remove OptimalUnit adware from your Mac. Note that the removal process should include a thorough check of the extensions added to each of the affected browsers. Quite often, adware programs like OptimalUnit add harmful extensions to control the browser.
Remove OptimalUnit Mac Adware
To remove the OptimalUnit adware program and all entries it has created on the system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you with both manual and automatic removal approaches. To entirely eliminate files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps.
Keep in mind that inexperienced computer users may face difficulties while removing some of the adware files. 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 OptimalUnit adware with the help of an 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.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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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 OptimalUnit Adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as OptimalUnit Adware, 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 OptimalUnit Adware 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 OptimalUnit Adware:
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 OptimalUnit Adware. 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 OptimalUnit Adware. 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 OptimalUnit Adware 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 OptimalUnit Adware. 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 OptimalUnit Adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
OptimalUnit Adware-FAQ
What is OptimalUnit Adware on your Mac?
The OptimalUnit Adware 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 OptimalUnit Adware?
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 OptimalUnit Adware?
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 OptimalUnit Adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this OptimalUnit Adware 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 OptimalUnit Adware?
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 OptimalUnit Adware threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.