Mac Optimizer


Mac Optimizer is a fake system optimizer that hails from an infamous developer responsible for releasing tens of almost identical programs

Mac Optimizer virus example
Mac Optimizer is a potentially unwanted program that supposedly improves the speed and general performance of Mac computers. However, it does nothing useful.

Mac Optimizer virus example
Mac Optimizer is a potentially unwanted program that supposedly improves the speed and general performance of Mac computers. However, it does nothing useful.

Mac Optimizer by Macappware is a rogue tool that allegedly improves the performance of Mac computers. However, this tool is not living up to promotions and delivers fake scan results about the issues with your machine. In addition to the unwanted content, this tool suggests people pay for the full version to remove malware issues but this tool costs up to $30 and still does nothing besides causing redirects to dubious websites.

The latest version of this fake optimization tool is MacOptimizer 4. Supposedly, it is designed to improve Mac OS X 10.8 and newer versions by cleaning cache, speeding up mail, freeing up space, extend the battery life, and more. However, many people on Mac forums have already expressed their concern about whether Mac Optimizer is safe or not.[1] Unfortunately, the program belongs to the company responsible for releasing Mac Tonic, Mac Auto Fixer, Similar Photo Cleaner, and other useless tools that keep bothering people and mislead them into thinking that there are serious issues related to their computers.[2] 

Name Mac Optimizer
Developer Macappware
Type Rogue tool
Classification Potentially unwanted program (PUP)
Price Differs from $15 to $30
Distribution Software bundling
Symptoms Regular system scans, fake warning messages, system’s slowdowns, MacOptimizer shortcut on the desktop, additional content installed
Removal process Step-by-step instructions are given down below. The recommended tool for the elimination of unwanted components is Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego.

We could calm you down if you thought that a Mac Optimizer virus infected your PC as it does not belong to any virus category. In reality, it is a typical potentially unwanted program (PUP)[3] trying to scare users into thinking that they have serious issues related to their computers. 

If you are about to install an optimizer for your Mac, you can run into promotional advertisements of this fake optimization tool. Typically, they claim something like that:

Get your Mac back in shape with an incredibly fast disk utility that will optimize and clean your hard drive, maximize battery life, free memory, organize your Desktop, and more. A “must have” app for every home and business.

However, you shouldn’t fall for the trick as this optimizer can hardly fix any Mac’s issues if not contrary. Once installed, it creates a startup that is responsible for loading the Mac Optimizer scanner on a regular basis. Note that daily scan procedures can significantly diminish your Mac’s performance because of additional processes and usage of computer resources.

The scan results are also questionable because on several different Mac PCs point out to the same problems and address almost identical system’s files. According to the experts from virusi.bg,[4] third-party optimization tools often contain a list of inbuilt scan results, meaning that they can hardly fix or improve the system’s performance.

In the worst-case scenario, the Mac Optimizer virus can remove or modify some of the crucial Mac’s components, thus damaging its integrity and leading to severe performance problems. However, the full version that you can buy for $15 – $30 typically provides no real value and gives the program’s developers a signal that the license is bought and it is time to stop showing misleading ads on the victim’s desktop.

Mac Optimizer virus

Mac Optimizer virus

The purpose of this tool is to make its users buy the licensed version and create revenue from the traffic redirected to affiliated commercial sites. To reach the goal, the developer is distributing a free trial version using a software bundling method and deceptive advertising. This way, it finds a way to hundreds or even thousands of Mac devices and then urges the users to pay for the long-term subscription.

Purchasing the license of this tool is the sole money wasting. We would recommend you to remove Mac Optimizer from the system instead and install a reliable optimization tool that would regularly take care of the system. However, the system of Mac OS is relatively safe, and optimization tools are not necessary. The anti-malware program, on the other hand, is a must. 

If you are willing to take care of Mac Optimizer removal, use the guide provided at the end of this post. Double-check your system with Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego to make sure that there are no unwanted components hiding in your Mac. It can not only delete potentially unwanted programs from Mac but also protect it from malware and monitor its performance continuously. 

Mac Optimizer PUP causes fake system scans
Mac Optimizer is an untrustworthy optimization utility that initiates system’s scanners and displays intrusive warning alerts.

Mac Optimizer PUP causes fake system scans
Mac Optimizer is an untrustworthy optimization utility that initiates system’s scanners and displays intrusive warning alerts.

Apple.com-mac-optimizer.live redirects trick people into installing the Mac Optimizer malware

Many MacOS users reported that they keep being exposed to the domain apple.com-mac-optimizer.live, which contains an alert notification saying “Your system is infected with 3 viruses!”. Clicking on any button positioned on this rogue domain opens a download website of the Mac Optimizer, Cleanup My Mac, and other Mac crapware. 

Mac Optimizer apple.com-mac-optimizer.live
apple.com-mac-optimizer.live domain may be involved in Mac Optimizer distribution campaigns

Mac Optimizer apple.com-mac-optimizer.live
apple.com-mac-optimizer.live domain may be involved in Mac Optimizer distribution campaigns

The apple.com-mac-optimizer.live pop-ups may start showing up if the user accidentally (or purposely) accepts the Push Notification service or has an adware-type program installed. Therefore, if you keep receiving an advertising platform, which contains the below-given text message, we would recommend scanning the machine with a reliable anti-malware tool. If no results found, you should navigate to the web browser’s settings and check the list of enabled notifications. If you see the apple.com-mac-optimizer.live enabled, click the Disable button to stop intrusive pop-ups. 

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED

We have detected a trojan virus (e.tre456_worm_osx) on your Mac.

Press OK to begin the repair process.

Pay close attention to freeware installation

Reckless installation of free apps is a big mistake. Free apps often serve as a medium for PUPs to infect random PCs without being noticed. Quick and Basic installation methods do not unpack the software bundle, so all freeware’s attachments are installed by default.

Mac Optimizer redirects
Mac Optimizer is a program related to adware which delivers tons of commercial content and affects the performance of your machine.

Mac Optimizer redirects
Mac Optimizer is a program related to adware which delivers tons of commercial content and affects the performance of your machine.

Many people reported that they’d been tricked into installing this tool with several apps offered on Cnet download source. In many cases, this optimization tool is not the only PUP that enters the system unnoticed. To prevent software bundles on the system, each freeware installation process should be carried out this way:

  • Make sure that the freeware you are going to install is harmless. For this purpose, you can initiate a Google search.
  • Choose a reliable download source.
  • Download the application and then select Advanced or Custom installation option.
  • Read the Licence Agreement and Privacy Policy carefully.
  • Check each window of the installation wizard and opt out of pre-default components.

How to uninstall MacOptimizer from Mac

Mac Optimizer removal can be tricky since its developers might not provide a direct uninstaller. Dragging and dropping its icon to Trash might not work, so don’t forget this scenario as it is quite possible. In this case, you should opt for automatic removal software that will report about hidden PUP’s components right after it finishes the scan. Do not install any uninstallers offered by the developer as you can get infected with a more serious program!

Once you remove Mac Optimizer from the system, pay attention to your browsing. If you are still interrupted by numerous ads redirecting you to program’s page, it might be that your system is also infected with the browser hijacker. In this case, reset your web browser.

You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.

Reimage Intego has a free limited scanner. Reimage Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.

Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can’t grant a full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. 

Nevertheless, there’s a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals. 

While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various circumstances, malware is also one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. Potentially unwanted programs may clear files that keep the application from running smoothly.

More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, or images get locked. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them. Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system.

In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection. 

This entry was posted on 2020-07-24 at 08:04 and is filed under System tools, Viruses.