WinZipMacOptimizer Mac Adware
WinZipMacOptimizer is a program you could notice on your Mac. Unlike all other apps you have on the device, this one may mysteriously appear on it. In fact, it is categorized as a PUP or a potentially unwanted program. Programs like WinZipMacOptimizer infect macOS to generate revenue for fraudsters.
The moment it loads on a Mac, it initiates specific changes that affect various settings. Typically, adware apps aim to obtain access to target web browsers (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.). The goal is to flood your online browsing with lots of annoying ads. Every click on an ad generated by this adware could monetize the app’s presence on your Mac via the so-called advertising model pay-per-click.
Browser redirects, pop-ups, banners, and new browser windows may start to interrupt your online browsing after the appearance of WinZipMacOptimizer. Beware that the quality and security level of sites promoted by such apps may be neglected. via their app. Hence, you should be very careful if you want to avoid falling victim to nasty online scams and malware attacks.
WinZipMacOptimizer Adware Summary
| Name | WinZipMacOptimizer also known as PUP.MacOS.WinZipMacOptimizer (SpyHunter Mac) |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | A rogue application that pretends to be a reliable system optimizer. May hijack Safari, Chrome and other browsers installed on the affected macOS. |
| Symptoms | Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. The program may start every time you start the affected Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Fake Flash Player Updates |
| Detection Tool |
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WinZipMacOptimizer PUP on Mac
WinZipMacOptimizer is another rogue application found to affect macOS. It is not developed to act maliciously, hence, it is not a Mac virus but it lowers online security for sure. The bogus ads it tends to generate as well as the fake results it displays lower your online security.
On the one hand, ads displayed by WinZipMacOptimizer adware may link to poorly secured or even hacked websites. And visiting shady websites may endanger the overall Mac security. On the other hand, the app may display fake claims about your macOS performance just to make you more prone to enter your financial credentials and buy its licensed version.
What’s confusing is the fact the WinZipMacOptimizer unwanted app may activate different tracking technologies that will spy on your online activities. The technologies may also send harvested data to remote servers. Then, fraudsters may misuse data records for shady advertising campaigns.
The potentially unwanted application WinZipMacOptimizer may appear on your Mac after the installation of another third-party app. To keep unwanted programs away from your Mac you should always select installing apps via the Custom or Advanced setup options. They tend to reveal the presence of you undesired extras and provide the option to opt-out of their installation.
Stay secured by removing WinZipMacOptimizer Mac app from the affected system and all affected browsers.
How to Remove WinZipMacOptimizer Mac Adware
In order to remove WinZipMacOptimizer along with all entries created on the Mac system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents manual and automatic removal approaches. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. The manual removal might be quite a complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
Gergana Ivanova
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.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove WinZipMacOptimizer Adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as WinZipMacOptimizer Adware, 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 WinZipMacOptimizer Adware 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 WinZipMacOptimizer Adware:
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 WinZipMacOptimizer Adware. 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 WinZipMacOptimizer Adware. 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 WinZipMacOptimizer Adware 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 WinZipMacOptimizer Adware. 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 WinZipMacOptimizer Adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
WinZipMacOptimizer Adware-FAQ
What is WinZipMacOptimizer Adware on your Mac?
The WinZipMacOptimizer Adware 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 WinZipMacOptimizer Adware?
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 WinZipMacOptimizer Adware?
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 WinZipMacOptimizer Adware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this WinZipMacOptimizer Adware 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 WinZipMacOptimizer Adware?
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 WinZipMacOptimizer Adware threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.