Mac Optimizer Adware “Virus” – How to Fully Remove It from Your PC

by Ventsislav Krastev | March 21, 2018 | 0 Comments adware, online advertisements, PUP

Threat Summary Mac Optimizer – How Did I Get It Mac Optimizer Adware – More Information and Activity Remove Mac Optimizer Adware Fully from Safariyou’re your PC

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 Download Malware Removal Tool
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.

How to Remove Mac Optimizer Adware from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Mac Optimizer Adware

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall Mac Optimizer Adware and related software from Windows

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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Mac Optimizer Adware on your computer.

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:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Scan for Mac Optimizer Adware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of Mac Optimizer Adware from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Mac Optimizer Adware and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

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 Mac Optimizer Adware:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

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 Mac Optimizer 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 Mac Optimizer Adware. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over 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 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

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 Mac Optimizer 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 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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for Mac Optimizer Adware:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

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.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

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.