How to remove OpticalNetwork (Mac)

What is OpticalNetwork

OpticalNetwork is an adware-type application discovered by security researchers during their analysis of new file submissions on the VirusTotal platform. This software is part of the AdLoad malware family, designed to generate revenue through intrusive advertising campaigns. It typically displays unwanted pop-ups, banners, and surveys while users browse the internet, often redirecting them to dubious websites. The presence of OpticalNetwork can lead to serious privacy issues, as it may track user data such as browsing habits, search queries, and even personal identifiable information. Distribution methods often include deceptive pop-up ads and bundled software installations from untrustworthy sources. Users experiencing the negative effects of OpticalNetwork are advised to remove it promptly to protect their systems and personal data. To ensure complete removal, utilizing trusted antivirus tools like Combo Cleaner is highly recommended.

How OpticalNetwork infects Mac computers

OpticalNetwork adware typically infects Mac systems through deceptive means, primarily bundled with legitimate software downloaded from untrustworthy sources. Users often unknowingly permit the installation of OpticalNetwork during the setup process by opting for “Easy” or “Quick” installation settings, which can obscure the inclusion of additional unwanted applications. Additionally, the adware may be introduced via intrusive pop-up ads or malicious websites that prompt users to download compromised software. Once installed, OpticalNetwork can display intrusive advertisements, collect user data, and redirect users to questionable websites, further compromising their online safety. This hidden nature of adware makes it crucial for users to be vigilant during software installations and to scrutinize the permissions they grant during the process. Regular scans with reliable antivirus tools are recommended to detect and eliminate such threats before they can cause significant harm.

1. Download OpticalNetwork Removal Tool
2. Remove OpticalNetwork from Login Items
3. Remove/Uninstall OpticalNetwork from Applications
4. Remove OpticalNetwork from browsers
5. Reset browser settings
6. Remove OpticalNetwork files and folders
7. Block OpticalNetwork ads and pop-ups
8. How to protect from threats, like OpticalNetwork

Remove OpticalNetwork manually for free

Note: OpticalNetwork sets up to start on macOS startup. Therefore, before starting the removal, perform these steps:

1. Open System Preferences, choose Users & Groups.
2. Choose your account (set up as Current User).
3. Click Login Items tab.
4. Find “OpticalNetwork” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: OpticalNetwork won’t quit just by closing it, therefor use Force Quit to end the process.

1. Press 3 buttons at the same time: Option, Command, and Esc (Escape). This is similar to Control-Alt-Delete on a Windows PC.
2. Choose OpticalNetwork in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

Here is a manual step-by-step tutorial for full OpticalNetwork removal from your computer. This works 99% and was checked with the latest versions of OpticalNetwork installer on operating systems with the latest updates and browser versions.

Remove OpticalNetwork from Applications

Remove OpticalNetwork from Mac:

1. In the Finder sidebar, click Applications.
2. OpticalNetwork might have an Uninstaller. If you see Uninstall OpticalNetwork or OpticalNetwork Uninstaller, double-click it and follow the onscreen instructions.
3. Otherwise, drag OpticalNetwork from the Applications folder to the Trash (located at the end of the Dock).
4. Then choose Finder > Empty Trash.

Cannot uninstall OpticalNetwork

If you can’t uninstall OpticalNetwork using instructions above, or it keeps coming back, you can use free AppCleaner for Mac to remove all residual data and libraries of OpticalNetwork. Follow instructions below:

1. Download free AppCleaner.
2. Drag OpticalNetwork from Applications folder to AppCleaner window.
3. Choose files and folders you want to remove along with OpticalNetwork.
4. Click Delete button.

Remove OpticalNetwork add-on from your browsers

Removing OpticalNetwork from Applications often does not bring the desired effect. It is a browser extension, and it may still be active in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Here are instructions on how to remove the OpticalNetwork extension from your browsers manually.

Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Click Extensions tab.
3. Find OpticalNetwork extension.
4. Click Uninstall button to remove it.

Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://extensions.
3. Find OpticalNetwork extension.
4. Click the trash can icon to remove it.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:addons.
3. Choose OpticalNetwork extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish OpticalNetwork removal, reset your browser settings to make sure, there are no leftover items in browser folders.

Reset Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Go to the Privacy section of Safari’s preferences.
3. Click Remove All Website Data button.
4. In the opened window, click Remove Now button to remove data stored by websites in Safari.
5. Go to the Advanced section of Safari’s preferences.
6. Click the Show Develop menu in menu bar option.
7. In the menu, click Develop and select Empty Caches from this menu.
8. Again, go to Safari menu and choose Clear History….
9. Choose to clear all history and click Clear History button.

Reset Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://settings.
3. Scroll down and find Show advanced settings link.
4. Click on it and scroll down to the bottom again.
5. Click Reset settings button and click Reset to confirm.

Reset Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:support.
3. Click Refresh Firefox… button.
4. Click Refresh Firefox to confirm.

Remove following files and folders of OpticalNetwork


~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.OpticalNetwork.service.app
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.OpticalNetwork.service.plist
/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.OpticalNetwork.system
/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.OpticalNetwork.system.plist


Download AdGuard for Mac to block malicious pop-ups, that promote OpticalNetwork

AdGuard is the best ad-blocker, internet filtering, and internet security application for macOS. It can cut out unwanted banners from site pages, block pop-ups, stop redirects, and prevent users from visiting potentially dangerous resources. Use it to stop ads promoting OpticalNetwork in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like OpticalNetwork

Mac OSX is known to be one of the safest operating systems, and for a long time, there was no need for antivirus products for Mac. But with the growing popularity of Mac computers and notebooks and evolving technology, viruses, trojans, adware, toolbars, hijackers, and other malware paved the way for Mac users. We recommend you to use one of the best anti-malware for Mac available — Malwarebytes for Mac.

Download Malwarebytes for Mac