What Is OperationTool?
OperationTool is an unwanted ad-supported program that specifically targets Mac users. Upon installation, this AdLoad variant will bombard macOS with intrusive ad campaigns and alter some of its settings. In addition, AdLoad variants often install a persistent agent making them difficult to remove manually.
While it may have seemed useful at first, OperationTool is actually designed to generate ads and collect data. If you did not download it yourself, it may have been included as part of another, free program. This distribution method is known as software bundling; learn more about it in the provided article.
What Is AdLoad?
First discovered in 2018, AdLoad is a family of adware that has since been detected across multiple macOS applications. Because of this, Mac users need to be extra careful when installing apps from unknown sources as this adware can cause significant performance issues.
Once on the system, the OperationTool Mac Adware (Virus Removal Guide) AdLoad variant can generate pop-up ads and promotional messages, and also collect user data and keep track of your online activities.
OperationTool Details
| Name | OperationTool a.k.a. Trojan.Adload |
| Type | Adware / Potentially Unwanted Application |
| Short Description | A program that delivers lots of annoying advertisements in browsers it affects. |
| Symptoms | Browser slowdowns could occur due to increased number of ads generated by the adware. Sensitive detials could be obtained by unknown actors. |
| Distribution Method | Software bundles; Corrupted installers; Deceptive web pages |
| Detection Tool |
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How Did I Get OperationTool Installed on My Mac?
Most of OperationTool’s distribution mechanisms have been designed to convince users to install the program without being fully aware of the possible side effects. To achieve this goal, they use different methods such as bundled software installers or malicious web pages that are used to deliver fake software updates. For example, an increasingly popular method of perpetrating this type of attack is the Adobe Flash Player is out of date browser scam, which is regularly used by AdLoad adware variants.
What Does OperationTool Do?
OperationTool will change the configurations of widely used browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Safari, in order to show more ads. However, this potential outcome will diminish the Mac’s performance and speed, and could redirect you to malicious webpages managed by online scammers.
Another issue that may occur while OperationTool is running on your device is data collection. With the help of various tracking technologies, the program could attempt to obtain sensitive data from your affected browsers and then send it to its servers. If you want to prevent this adware program from displaying annoying ads and collecting sensitive data of yours, you need to remove all associated files from affected browsers and system as soon as possible.
Is OperationTool a Computer Virus?
Even though it is not a computer virus per se, OperationTool can still be dangerous due to its characteristics of adware, potentially unwanted program activities, and backdoor abilities. That is why eliminating OperationTool from your Mac to ensure your online protection is highly advisable.
Is OperationTool Dangerous?
Mac users must be extra cautious when dealing with OperationTool in the LaunchAgents folder of the Library, as its persistent nature can cause multiple issues. Completely removing OperationTool may require technical knowledge, as its persistence agent is difficult to eradicate. Therefore, it is essential for users to ensure that NetworkImagine is thoroughly removed from their computers.
How to Protect My Mac from OperationTool?
Despite being very annoying, unwanted programs can be avoided by building healthy online habits. Here are a few easy steps you can take to avoid installing PUPs and becoming a victim of unwanted programs such as NetworkImagined:
- Don’t download programs from Internet ads, pop-ups, torrent trackers, file sharing sites and other unreliable sources.
- Opt-out of the setting hidden in the “Custom” or “Advanced” sections when you’re installing a program. You can deselect most PUPs from there.
- Avoid installing programs you don’t need.
- Keep an eye out for any excessive or unusual Internet advertising. These ads can be brought on by PUPs and adware attached to your browser.
- Read the terms and conditions of use when you install any programs.
- Check your installed software regularly and uninstall any applications you do not want or need.
- Install an anti-malware program that also has the ability to detect and remove potentially unwanted programs.
Remove OperationTool from Your Mac
If you’re looking to protect your Mac from the OperationTool “virus” and its associated files, our removal guide has you covered. It contains manual and automated steps to help remove the threat from your device so it remains protected from future issues. If you need further help, feel free to leave a comment at the end of the guide.
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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 OperationTool files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as OperationTool, 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 OperationTool 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 OperationTool:
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 OperationTool. 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 OperationTool. 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 OperationTool 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 OperationTool. 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 OperationTool – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
OperationTool-FAQ
What is OperationTool on your Mac?
The OperationTool 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 OperationTool?
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 OperationTool?
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 OperationTool Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this OperationTool 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 OperationTool?
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 OperationTool threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.