What Is OptimalModule?
OptimalModule is an unwanted, ad-supported program that specifically targets Mac users.
Adware for Mac is software that serves up advertisements, usually in the form of pop-up windows, while visiting certain websites or using applications such as OptimalModule. These programs typically gain access to the user’s Mac through malicious downloads, file-sharing networks, and other questionable software. Many forms of adware can track user’s personal information and share it with third-party entities, as well as cause system instability, slow down network and system performance, and display intrusive and often annoying ads.
What Is AdLoad?
AdLoad is a family of Mac adware first discovered in 2018. It has since been detected in various apps across the macOS ecosystem and is a primary reason why Mac users must exercise caution when downloading apps from unknown sources.
AdLoad is an ad-injection program that bombards users with pop-up ads and promotional messages that can interfere with their Macs operation and cause performance issues. In addition, OptimalModule, as a part of this adware family, can collect user data and track browsing activity.
OptimalModule Details
| Name | OptimalModule 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 OptimalModule Installed on My Mac?
Adware programs such as OptimalModule can get installed on Macs in a variety of ways. One of the most common is through malicious email attachments, banners or pop-ups. These may appear to be legitimate, but they actually contain a virus or malicious code that when clicked on, will send an application to the Mac. Another method is to use software bundles. These programs can pre-install malicious software, including adware such as OptimalModule, without the user’s knowledge.
Most of OptimalModule’s distribution mechanisms aim to trick you into installing the program without considering the side effects. For the purpose of achieving this goal, bundled software installers are used as well as fake software updates delivered over compromised web pages. An example of a fake update scheme widely adopted by AdLoad adware variants is the Adobe Flash Player is out of date browser scam.
What Does OptimalModule Do?
OptimalModule is an adware application that shows an increased amount of online ads. It alters the settings of popular browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Safari, in order to place more ads but this can drastically lower the performance and speed of your Mac. It can also lead you to malicious websites operated by online scammers.
Moreover, OptimalModule can also collect data by using tracking technologies. The data collected is then sent to its servers. To protect your data and prevent OptimalModule from displaying ads and collecting data, it is essential to delete all of its related files from your system and compromised browsers.
Is OptimalModule a Computer Virus?
No, OptimalModule is not technically considered a computer virus, however, it can still pose a risk as it can feature adware, potentially unwanted program activities, and backdoor abilities. To stay safe, it is highly recommended that Mac users remove OptimalModule completely from their systems.
Is OptimalModule Dangerous?
Once installed on a computer, OptimalModule can be found in the LaunchAgents folder in the Library folder and can display persistent behaviors. As a result, fully removing OptimalModule requires a more technical approach and specialized care to completely eliminate it from a Mac.
How to Protect My Mac from OptimalModule?
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 OptimalModule:
- 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 OptimalModule from Your Mac
To ensure the protection of your Mac from OptimalModule “virus” and related files, please carefully refer to the removal guide which comprises of both manual and automated removal methods. Utilizing all techniques outlined in the removal guide will ensure your Mac maintains a safe security level from further malware threats. If you require any additional help, post a comment at the end of the removal 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 OptimalModule files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as OptimalModule, 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 OptimalModule 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 OptimalModule:
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 OptimalModule. 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 OptimalModule. 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 OptimalModule 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 OptimalModule. 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 OptimalModule – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
OptimalModule-FAQ
What is OptimalModule on your Mac?
The OptimalModule 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 OptimalModule?
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 OptimalModule?
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 OptimalModule Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this OptimalModule 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 OptimalModule?
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 OptimalModule threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.