What Is OptimalSync Adware Mac
This article is created to explain to you what OptimalSync adware could cause to your Mac. You will find removal steps that could help you to get rid of all potentially harmful files in it.
OptimalSync is a program this is certainly possibly undesirable and an adware. As soon as it is started on your Mac its code is capable of modifying settings then starts to push ads of various types. As it is installed on your system maybe it’s also able to harvest sensitive data from affected browsers and sell it.
Threat Summary
| Name | OptimalSync |
| Kind | Adware for Mac OS |
| Short Description | A potentially undesired program that invades system without your knowledge and starts producing lots of ads in the borwser that is affected. |
| Symptoms | Different ads attempt to trick you into visiting web that is bogus that may steal sensitive credentials or market potentially harmful applications. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware packages, Bndling |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System is Affected by OptimalSync
Combo Cleaner
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss OptimalSync. |
OptimalSync – More Information
Software bundling is probably the technique that is primary distributing OptimalSync adware. With the aid of this technique adware’s owners are able to bundle their program that is certainly deceptive with free third-party apps. To trick you to install its app files on your Mac they conceal the info about its presence in the hope that you will choose to follow the installation that is optional. Really one option to stop the installation of PUPs like OptimalSync is to select the Advanced/Custom configuration steps throughout the installation means of new apps. Usually, they are set to present information regarding current extras as well as choice to opt the installation out.
Another spread strategy that may grant OptimalSync adware access to your device is called drive-by download. It occurs after you visit compromised website pages being set to exploit your web browser.
OptimalSync adware is really a schedule-based software that once started for a targeted Mac aims to get into and modifies predefined browser settings of targeted web browser apps. All changes could happen without you knowing and this is certainly one of the reasons why the program is categorized as a one that’s potentially unwanted.
The objective of all changes implemented by MacBright is the generation of many ads that are annoying browsing sessions. All ads that could appear on each sites you visit could attempt to trick you into visiting the websites that could be risky. Many of them might be recognized by the following text:
- Ads by OptimalSync
- Promoted by OptimalSync
- Ads generated by OptimalSync
- Promotions by OptimalSync
Beware that the offers on these internet sites may be misleading and eventually scam you to offer credentials that are sensitive. Therefore for the sake of your protection and also the security of your unit you should avoid entering any credentials that are delicate while on such sites.
Regrettably, there is a danger that a few of the adverts generated by OptimalSync could be set to take unsuspecting users on web pages corrupted by hackers.
Another purpose that OptimalSync adware could have is data collection. And this might be explained by the fact that its owners need certain details about you and your behavior that is made for improvement of their advertising campaigns. So provided that the scheduled program is running on the system it may be in a position to obtain details like:
- Visited URLs and websites
- Browser’s home page
- Search inquiries.
- Search inquiries in the website this is certainly visited.
- Type of used browser.
- Operating system type.
- Internet protocol (IP address).
- Geographic location.
- The domain name of current Internet service provider (ISP)
In case that you don’t agree with all nasty practices related to this software you should eliminate it. You can try to perform this by following the detailed guide that follows.
Remove OptimalSync Adware from MacOS
To be able to remove OptimalSync adware and prevent all ads which are annoying you might follow the removal steps below. They provide both manual and automated removal approaches that can be combined and will help you to locate all files and objects produced by such adware.
In case you do have further questions or need additional assistance, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact us via e-mail.
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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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 OptimalSync files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as OptimalSync, 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 OptimalSync 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 OptimalSync:
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 OptimalSync. 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 OptimalSync. 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 OptimalSync 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 OptimalSync. 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 OptimalSync – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
OptimalSync-FAQ
What is OptimalSync on your Mac?
The OptimalSync 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 OptimalSync?
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 OptimalSync?
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 OptimalSync Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this OptimalSync 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 OptimalSync?
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 OptimalSync threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.