Remove LaunchOptimization Adware From Mac

LaunchOptimization: Simple Delete Process

LaunchOptimization is an adware which upon getting into the Mac computers, starts running intrusive advertising campaign and disrupts users’ web sessions badly. It also operates as a browser hijacker and makes alterations to default browser’s settings to promote fake search engines. Users hardly ever install this application with intent. In most cases, it is spread together with other free software and thus, often considered as a potentially unwanted program (PUP). It also includes data tracking abilities that are employed by the advertisers for customizing advertisements. So, when this adware is present inside your Mac, a number of pop-ups, banners, coupons, offers, etc. keep appearing all the time.

LaunchOptimization Redirects To Questionable Portals:

As soon as LaunchOptimization enters the targeted computers, it starts generating various commercial material and redirecting users to pre-defined websites. Although, most of the promoted content is harmless, there is no guarantee that some links might not be safe to click on. In addition, redirects may take you to suspicious sites, which may contain malicious files and questionable links. These ads may reroute you to potentially insecure sites which may contain push notification viruses, PUPs, malware, tech support scams, and other hazardous content.

Therefore, it is best to avoid interacting with LaunchOptimization ads that show up on your screen out of nowhere. This nasty hijacker assigns its own perilous URL as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab addresses replacing the previous one and grabs complete control over the entire browser. Search tool promoted by it is not able to deliver results, so it generally reroutes to Yahoo or other legitimate ones. But the results are still not accurate as they are filled with sponsored links and ads.

Another negative attribute of LaunchOptimization is its information tracking capabilities. It can track victims’ browsing activities and send out the following data to unknown parties:

• Sites visited
• Links clicked
• Bookmarks added
• IP addresses
• Search queries
• Technical data
• Unique identifiers, etc.

These details are very useful for the commercial content creators to generate personalized ads in order to get as many clicks on them as possible and earn maximum profits via cost-per-click mechanism. No matter how attractive or beneficial these ads seem, you should never click on them as you never know what pages they might take you to. To avoid all these happenings, an instant LaunchOptimization removal is highly recommended.

Infiltration Of LaunchOptimization:

Most people do not install PUPs on their devices intentionally. It may happen if you download freeware without paying enough attention. Free software is often supported by third parties, therefore it is bundled with browser extensions, add-ons, toolbars, plug-ins, and other additional programs. When you the download freeware using Quick configuration settings, you risk infecting your device with unwanted threats. Moreover, if you tend to click on random ads while web surfing, you might be redirected to malware-laden site, and end up with installing PUPs.

‘Advanced’ and ‘Custom’ installation options reveal such additional offers and allow people to opt-out of them. In contrast, the ‘Quick’ or ‘Recommended’ installation doesn’t disclose if the program is bundled or not. So, always select the earlier options and avoid potentially unwanted programs from sneaking into your device. Furthermore, stay away from suspicious ads as they may reroute you to potentially insecure sites. Also, a reputable antivirus can help you keep PUPs and malware away. But at the moment, you must remove LaunchOptimization from the Mac without wasting any time.

Remove Files and Folders Related to LaunchOptimization

Open the “Menu” bar and click the “Finder” icon. Select “Go” and click on “Go to Folder…”

Step 1: Search the suspicious and doubtful malware generated files in /Library/LaunchAgents folder

Type /Library/LaunchAgents in the “Go to Folder” option

In the “Launch Agent” folder, search for all the files that you have recently downloaded and move them to “Trash”. Few of the examples of files created by browser-hijacker or adware are as follow, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.Itvbit.plist”, installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, and “kuklorest.update.plist” and so on.

Step 2: Detect and remove the files generated by the adware in “/Library/Application” Support folder

In the “Go to Folder..bar”, type “/Library/Application Support”

Search for any suspicious newly added folders in “Application Support” folder. If you detect any one of these like “NicePlayer” or “MPlayerX” then send them to “Trash” folder.

Step 3: Look for the files generated by malware in /Library/LaunchAgent Folder:

Go to Folder bar and type /Library/LaunchAgents

You are in the “LaunchAgents” folder. Here, you have to search for all the newly added files and move them to “Trash” if you find them suspicious. Some of the examples of suspicious files generated by malware are “myppes.download.plist”, “installmac.AppRemoved.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist” and so on.

Step4: Go to /Library/LaunchDaemons Folder and search for the files created by malware

Type /Library/LaunchDaemons in the “Go To Folder” option

In the newly opened “LaunchDaemons” folder, search for any recently added suspicious files and move them to “Trash”. Examples of some of the suspicious files are “com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preference.plist”, “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist” and so on.

Step 5: Use Combo Cleaner Anti-Malware and Scan your Mac PC

The malware infections could be removed from the Mac PC if you execute all the steps mentioned above in the correct way. However, it is always advised to be sure that your PC is not infected. It is suggested to scan the work-station with “Combo Cleaner Anti-virus”.

Once the file gets downloaded, double click on combocleaner.dmg installer in the newly opened window. Next is to open the “Launchpad” and press on “Combo Cleaner” icon. It is advised to wait until “Combo Cleaner” updates the latest definition for malware detection. Click on “Start Combo Scan” button.

A depth scan of your Mac PC will be executed in order to detect malware. If the Anti-virus scan report says “no threat found” then you can continue with guide further. On the other hand, it is recommended to delete the detected malware infection before continuing.

Now the files and folders created by the adware is removed, you have to remove the rogue extensions from the browsers.

Remove LaunchOptimization from Internet Browsers

Delete Doubtful and Malicious Extension from Safari

Go to “Menu Bar” and open “Safari” browser. Select “Safari” and then “Preferences”

In the opened “preferences” window, select “Extensions” that you have recently installed. All such extensions should be detected and click the “Uninstall” button next to it. If you are doubtful then you can remove all the extensions from “Safari” browser as none of them are important for smooth functionality of the browser.

In case if you continue facing unwanted webpage redirections or aggressive advertisements bombarding, you can reset the “Safari” browser.

“Reset Safari”

Open the Safari menu and choose “preferences…” from the drop-down menu.

Go to the “Extension” tab and set the extension slider to “Off” position. This disables all the installed extensions in the Safari browser

Next step is to check the homepage. Go to “Preferences…” option and choose “General” tab. Change the homepage to your preferred URL.

Also check the default search-engine provider settings. Go to “Preferences…” window and select the “Search” tab and select the search-engine provider that you want such as “Google”.

Next is to clear the Safari browser Cache- Go to “Preferences…” window and select “Advanced” tab and click on “Show develop menu in the menu bar.“

Go to “Develop” menu and select “Empty Caches”.

Remove website data and browsing history. Go to “Safari” menu and select “Clear History and Website Data”. Choose “all history” and then click on “Clear History”.

Remove Unwanted and Malicious Plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox

Delete LaunchOptimization add-ons from Mozilla Firefox

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser. Click on the “Open Menu” present in the top right corner of the screen. From the newly opened menu, choose “Add-ons”.

Go to “Extension” option and detect all the latest installed add-ons. Select each of the suspicious add-ons and click on “Remove” button next to them.

In case if you want to “reset” the Mozilla Firefox browser then follow the steps that has been mentioned below.

Reset Mozilla Firefox Settings

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser and click on “Firefox” button situated at the top left corner of the screen.

In the new menu, go to “Help” sub-menu and choose “Troubleshooting Information”

In the “Troubleshooting Information” page, click on “Reset Firefox” button.

Confirm that you want to reset the Mozilla Firefox settings to default by pressing on “Reset Firefox” option

The browser will get restarted and the settings changes to factory default

Delete Unwanted and Malicious Extensions from Google Chrome

Open the chrome browser and click on “Chrome menu”. From the drop down option, choose “More Tools” and then “Extensions”.

In the “Extensions” option, search for all the recently installed add-ons and extensions. Select them and choose “Trash” button. Any third-party extension is not important for the smooth functionality of the browser.

Reset Google Chrome Settings

Open the browser and click on three line bar at the top right side corner of the window.

Go to the bottom of the newly opened window and select “Show advanced settings”.

In the newly opened window, scroll down to the bottom and choose “Reset browser settings”

Click on the “Reset” button on the opened “Reset browser settings” window

Restart the browser and the changes you get will be applied

The above mentioned manual process should be executed as it is mentioned. It is a cumbersome process and requires a lot of technical expertise. And hence it is advised for technical experts only. To be sure that your PC is free from malware, it is better that you scan the work-station with a powerful anti-malware tool. The automatic malware removal application is preferred because it doesn’t requires any additional technical skills and expertise.

Download the application and execute it on the PC to begin the depth scanning. Once the scanning gets completed, it shows the list of all the files related to LaunchOptimization. You can select such harmful files and folders and remove them immediately.