What Is OptionsCircuit?
OptionsCircuit is a harmful form of adware known as AdLoad that is designed to primarily attack macOS users. In the event that your Mac gets infected, it may result in an overwhelming number of ads, browser reroutes, and even the installation of unwanted applications. This is enabled by the covert backdoor component inherent to OptionsCircuit and other related applications belonging to the AdLoad threat family.
What Is AdLoad?
AdLoad is a Trojan that secretly infiltrates computers to install adware and potentially harmful applications. It involves a variety of threats specifically created for Mac systems, with new versions frequently being released.
OptionsCircuit Details
| Name | OptionsCircuit a.k.a. Trojan.Adload |
| Type | Adware / Potentially Unwanted Application |
| Short Description | A program that delivers numerous annoying advertisements in affected browsers. |
| Symptoms | Browser slowdowns may occur due to an increased number of ads generated by the adware. Personal information may be obtained by unknown actors. |
| Distribution Method | Software bundles; Corrupted installers; Deceptive web pages |
| Detection Tool |
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How Did I End Up with OptionsCircuit on My Mac?
The majority of OptionsCircuit’s distribution strategies focus on tricking users into unknowingly installing the program without contemplating the potential fallout. This is typically done through bundled software installers and counterfeit software updates displayed on compromised websites. An example of a popular fake update tactic employed by AdLoad variants is the Adobe Flash Player is out of date browser scam.
What Function Does OptionsCircuit Serve?
OptionsCircuit is an adware application built to overwhelm users with a profusion of online ads. Once installed on a Mac, it can manipulate the settings of popular browsers like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Safari to show more ads. Regrettably, this may result in a reduction in performance and speed on the Mac, as well as put users at risk of exposure to harmful websites run by cybercriminals.
OptionsCircuit can also engage in data collection while active on your device. The program may use various tracking technologies to gather sensitive data from the affected browsers and transmit it to its servers. To stop this adware program from displaying intrusive ads and collecting sensitive data, it is vital to remove all related files from the affected browsers and the system at the earliest opportunity.
Is It a Computer Virus?
Although OptionsCircuit may not exactly fit the traditional definition of a computer virus, it is advised to remove it from your Mac to guarantee online safety. Its traits as adware, activities as a potentially unwanted program, and backdoor capabilities make it potentially harmful.
Is It Dangerous?
The OptionsCircuit folder in the Library is a frequent target for OptionsCircuit, which can lead to various problems due to its tenacious nature. Thoroughly removing OptionsCircuit necessitates a technical approach, as its persistence agent can be difficult to get rid of. Therefore, Mac users need to be particularly diligent in completely removing OptionsCircuit from their systems.
How Can I Safeguard My Mac from OptionsCircuit?
While unwanted programs like OptionsCircuit can be incredibly bothersome, they can be circumvented by maintaining good online habits. Here are a few straightforward steps you can follow to prevent the installation of potentially unwanted programs and falling prey to programs like OptionsCircuit:
- Avoid downloading software from internet ads, pop-ups, torrent trackers, file sharing sites, and other unreliable sources.
- During the installation of programs, opt-out of any concealed settings found in the “Custom” or “Advanced” sections. You can deselect most potentially unwanted programs from there.
- Exercise caution when installing programs that are not necessary.
- Keep an eye out for excessive or unusual internet advertising. These ads may be prompted by potentially unwanted programs and adware attached to your browser.
- Read the terms and conditions carefully when installing any programs.
- Regularly review your installed software and uninstall any applications that are unwanted or not needed.
- Install an anti-malware program capable of detecting and removing potentially unwanted programs.
How to Eradicate OptionsCircuit from Your Mac
To secure your Mac against OptionsCircuit and its associated files, we recommend following the guidelines outlined in the removal guide. This guide provides both manual and automated techniques to eliminate the threat and can help thwart future malicious attacks on your Mac. If you have additional questions or need more help, please leave a comment at the end of the removal guide.
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 OptionsCircuit files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as OptionsCircuit, 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 OptionsCircuit 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 OptionsCircuit:
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 OptionsCircuit. 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 OptionsCircuit. 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 OptionsCircuit 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 OptionsCircuit. 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 OptionsCircuit – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
OptionsCircuit-FAQ
What is OptionsCircuit on your Mac?
The OptionsCircuit 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 OptionsCircuit?
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 OptionsCircuit?
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 OptionsCircuit Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this OptionsCircuit 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 OptionsCircuit?
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 OptionsCircuit threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.