What Is OptimizationTool on Mac?
OptimizationTool is a program which could have appeared in the Applications on your Mac without your knowledge. This software for Mac pretends to be useful and helpful. In reality, it is yet another ad-supported program programmed to cause multiple kinds of advertisements to appear on your Mac. Ads delivered by this app could begin to show up during every next browsing session.
The program is solely developed to generate profit for its operators. Since its main focus is profit, the operators could let ads that link to dangerous sites as well. Visiting corrupted sites could bring serious problems to your Mac. Various scams, rogue apps, or malware can be promoted by OptimizationTool adware.
The indirect impact over macOS security caused by this software makes its complete removal obligatory. Read this article to learn how you can remove OptimizationTool Mac adware and protect your macOS.
OptimizationTool Summary
| Name | OptimizationTool |
| Type | Adware / PUP / Scam Redirect for Mac |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your web browser in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Changes of the main browser settings forced it to display various types of online advertisements. Slowdowns of your computer may occur. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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OptimizationTool Adware on Mac – Activity Report
OptimizationTool is not an app you should keep on your Mac. It has been reported to act like a typical PUP (potentially unwanted program). Tons of similar Mac apps continue to emerge on a daily basis. Some of the recently detected ones are LookupDisplay, FindBooster and GeneralSearchBoard.
OptimizationTool might have affected your Mac by reaching the system via a software bundle. In the event that it has been added for a default install to the setup of a free app, you might have installed it without even noticing. Lots of shady websites promote downloads of such nasty software bundles.
Apps like media players, browser extensions, file converters belong to the list of compromised apps that deliver PUPs. A check in the “Custom” installation step is never a waste of time. It could show info about some free extras added to the installer and enable you to prevent your Mac from being affected by them.
As soon as OptimizationTool adware runs on a Mac, it may alter settings and begin to show the following kinds of vague content on your browsers:
- Redirects to third-party sites.
- Banners.
- Browser pop-ups.
- Push pop-up ads.
- Highlighted text.
- Some Ads that may show up as search results.
The bad news is that this app may slow your Mac down by delivering all those ads. In addition, it may use trackers – small files dropped on the system that enable it to gather different info. Afterward, this app may bombard you with ads in your language. They may match your online interests. The information could be based on the following information gathered from your affected device:
- Web browsing background processes.
- Mouse clicks and movements.
- Visited pages.
- Bookmarked sites.
- Search queries and browsing history.
Since ads delivered by adware may link to unchecked sources, they could lead you to dangerous websites that host:
- Frauds.
- Survey scams.
- Fake tech support.
- Fake software download domains.
- Endless redirect.
- Virus URLs.
- Phishing pages.
As the name of this app suggests, it may also pretend to be a system optimizer. However, it is very likely that the app will generate fake reports just to make you more prone to purchase its pro version. This may also enable it to steal sensitive credentials from you, so beware. Do not let rogue applications hoax you.
These are the primary reasons why apps like OptimizationTool have no place on your Mac. You should delete them as soon as you notice them running on the system. Check out how to do this right below.
Remove OptimizationTool from Your Device
For the removal of OptimizationTool, you should focus on following the guide we have set up below. It has been created with the main idea in mind to best help you clean up your macOS and the affected browsers in it altogether. Be advised that security professionals strongly advise victims to scan their Macs using anti-malware software for Mac. Such a program is created not only to remove unwanted software, like OptimizationTool, but also to detect and delete any trackers, leftover files, malware, and other adware in order to fully secure your Mac.
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Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online 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.
Step 1: Uninstall OptimizationTool 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 OptimizationTool:
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 OptimizationTool. 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 OptimizationTool. 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 OptimizationTool 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 OptimizationTool. 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: Remove OptimizationTool – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Step 3: Scan for and remove OptimizationTool files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as OptimizationTool, 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.
OptimizationTool FAQ
What is OptimizationTool on your Mac?
The OptimizationTool 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 siginficantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your Mac 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 MacOS.
Can my Mac get a virus?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get viruses. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that the following Apple devices can become infected with a virus:
- iMac
- Mac Mini
- Macbook Air
- Macbook Pro
- iPhone
- iPad
What are the symptoms of OptimizationTool on your Mac?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also most Mac threats in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your Mac may become slow and has poor performance in general.
Symtpom #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 Mac's Activity Monitor.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts reccomend that you check your Mac for viruses.
What types of Mac threats are there?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently infect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware and hijackers.
- Trojan horses and other spyware.
- Ransomware and screen-lockers.
- Cryptocurrency miner malware.
What to do if I have a Mac virus, like OptimizationTool?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One reccomended 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, tracking cookies and unwanted adware apps plus take care of them quickly. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to secure my passwords and other data from OptimizationTool?
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 OptimizationTool Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this OptimizationTool 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 OptimizationTool?
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 OptimizationTool threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
References
1. macOS More Susceptible to Adware and PUPs than Windows
2. XLoader Malware-as-a-Service Now Available for macOS for Only $49
3. XCSSET Mac Malware Targets Apple’s M1-Based Macs and macOS 11
4. macOS Backdoor Malware Linked to OceanLotus Hackers
5. The State of Apple’s Privacy So Far in 2021