This article has been created in order to explain what exactly is Mac Optimizer and how to remove this unwanted program from your MacBook.
Mac Optimizer is the type of software which you do not want on your computer. The program, which many believe is a virus, is actually a potentially unwanted program that is not malicious but may cause quite the headaches on your computer. Mac Optimizer aims to run various different types of scans to optimize your MacBook, but for the actual optimization process, the software may ask you to purchase it’s licensed version. Since you cannot know whether or not Mac Optimizer actually does what it claims to do, recommendations are to remove this program from your MacBook.
Threat Summary
| Name | Mac Optimizer Adware |
| Type | Adware,PUP |
| Short Description | The program aims to pose as a software optimizer, but instead may display different types of advertisements and run fake scans on the computers of victims. |
| Symptoms | Your MacBook may slow down and you may experience different types of advertisements on your computer.. |
| Distribution Method | From a web page on which there are download web links or redirects to it’s download link. |
| 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 Mac Optimizer Adware. |
Mac Optimizer – How Did I Get It
The main method by which you could have gotten Mac Optimizer on your computer is via already having adware on your computer which displayed you the web page where the download button of the program is placed. In addition to this, a possible scenario is if you have gone to such web page by yourself, while trying to download software from various third-party websites that are unknown. Many suspicious sites or unwanted programs lead users to scamming pages, that claim their computers are slow or at risk(https://sensorstechforum.com/system-heavily-damaged-4-four-virus-how-to-remove-it/) and ask to download software to fix those issues.
Mac Optimizer Adware – More Information and Activity
Once Mac Optimizer is installed on your computer, the program may begin to perform various different activities on it, starting with dropping it’s files. The program files of Mac Optimizer are created in the following directories:
→ /Users/{Username}/Library/Application Support
/Users/{Username}/Library/Caches
/Users/{Username}/Library/Logs
/Users/{Username}/Library/Preferences
In addition to this, Mac Optimizer adds a task in the user login items, which is simply called “Mac”. After doing so, the program may begin to run various different weird processes on your MacBook, which are not well known, since it is relativey new.
In addition to this, many have reported that the Mac Optimizer creates may have update their software to place files in multiple different Windows folders, making the software more difficult to be deleted. The main process of the program, however, was reported(https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7522364) by one user to be called mohlp. This process may be difficult to find, but later it was established that it was located in %Library%.
In addition to this, the software may also add itself as a browser extension on the Safari web browser. From there, it may use the following tracking technologies:
- Cookies.
- Pixels.
- Tags.
- Geo-locators.
- Flash Cookies.
These tracking technologies may be used by the Mac Optimizer program to trace and collect different information about your online activity on Safari, such as:
- Your browsing history.
- Your online clicks.
- Your online searches.
- Your downloads..
- Online clicks you have made.
This information may be used by Mac Optimizer may be utilized in order to further display advertisements to you in different forms:
- Pop-ups.
- Browser redirections.
- Taken over banner spaces on the websites you have visited.
- Different types of ad-supported search results appearing after you search for something.
- Highlighted text advertisements.
Since this advertised content may lead you to various unsafe websites that may be scamming or even malicious, it is strongly recommended to remove Mac Optimizer from your computer.
Remove Mac Optimizer Adware Fully from Safariyou’re your PC
In order to make sure that Mac Optimizer is fully gone from your computer, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They are specifically created to help you find and delete all of the files related to the program.
Furthermore, do not forget to remove the “Mac” item on your Login Items. It is located in:
→ System Preferences > User Accounts > Login Items
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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How to Remove Mac Optimizer Adware from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Mac Optimizer Adware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Mac Optimizer Adware and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Mac Optimizer Adware on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Mac Optimizer Adware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Mac Optimizer Adware (Windows).
Get rid of Mac Optimizer Adware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Mac Optimizer Adware and remove related files and objects
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 Mac Optimizer Adware. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- 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 Mac Optimizer 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:
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 2: Scan for and remove Mac Optimizer Adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Mac Optimizer 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.
Video Removal Guide for Mac Optimizer Adware (Mac)
Remove Mac Optimizer Adware from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Mac Optimizer Adware from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Mac Optimizer Adware from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Mac Optimizer Adware from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Mac Optimizer Adware will be removed.
Eliminate Mac Optimizer Adware from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Mac Optimizer Adware-FAQ
What Is Mac Optimizer Adware?
The Mac Optimizer Adware threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Mac Optimizer Adware?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Mac Optimizer 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 email 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 activities 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 recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Mac Optimizer Adware Work?
Once installed, Mac Optimizer Adware can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Mac Optimizer Adware can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Mac Optimizer Adware Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Mac Optimizer Adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Mac Optimizer 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, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Mac Optimizer Adware?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Mac Optimizer Adware threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.