How to remove ExecutiveOperation from Mac?
What is ExecutiveOperation?
ExecutiveOperation is the name of an application that functions not only as adware, but also as a browser hijacker and data collector. It serves advertisements, promotes two fake search engines by changing browser settings and gathers sensitive information. As a rule, users download and install apps like ExecutiveOperation unknowingly, for this reason they are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). It is known that ExecutiveOperation is distributed via fake installer that is disguised as an installer for Adobe Flash Player.
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Usually applications like ExecutiveOperation serve coupons, banners, surveys, pop-up ads and/or other types of advertisements. More often than not by clicking those ads users allow them to open questionable websites or execute certain scripts that cause download and/or installation of some unwanted application. As mentioned in the first paragraph, ExecutiveOperation functions as a browser hijacker: it promotes the z6airr.com address on Safari browsers and the search.basicgeneration.com address on Chrome browsers. Typically, browser hijackers promote fake search engines by making their address and the address of a default search engine, homepage and new tab. Z6airr.com provides results generated by Yahoo (it redirects users to search.yahoo.com), depending on user's geolocation, search.basicgeneration.com provides results generated either by Google or Yahoo (it redirects users either to google.com or seach.yahoo.com). In other words, neither of them generate any unique results and that is the main reason why they are called fake search engines. It is worthwhile to mention that z6airr.com and search.basicgeneration.com can be removed from browser settings only when ExecutiveOperation (or other PUA that is designed to promote them) is no longer installed. Furthermore, ExecutiveOperation can read sensitive information such as credit card details, passwords, telephone numbers and some other personal data. This information could be misused for various malicious purposes, for example: to make fraudulent purchases, transactions, steal identities, accounts. It means that its users could become victims of identity theft, lose access to various accounts, suffer monetary loss, have problems related to web browsing safety, online privacy, etc.
Name | Ads by ExecutiveOperation |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), AVG (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal) |
Additional Information | This application belongs to Adload malware family. |
Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available. |
AccessibleSkill, LearningActivity and MarketService are the more examples of apps that function like ExecutiveOperation too. Typically, they are designed to generate revenue for their developers by serving ads, collecting information and promoting shady websites. They are not only useless to their users but also can cause them various problems. Therefore, apps like ExecutiveOperation should never be downloaded and installed.
How did ExecutiveOperation install on my computer?
As mentioned in the first paragraph, ExecutiveOperation is distributed through a fake installed for Adobe Flash Player. It is common that fake, third party installers are used to distribute not only PUAs but also malicious programs, like Trojans, ransomware-type programs, etc. Also, quite often users download and/or install PUAs together with other programs - when those apps are distributed by integrating them in download and/or installation setups of other programs as extra offers. As a rule, users can decline such offers unticking checkboxes or via 'Custom', 'Advanced' or other settings that are available in setups. Users who leave certain checkboxes unticked and/or settings unchanged when they download and/or install programs allow for included apps to be downloaded and/or installed too. This software distribution method is known as 'bundling'. Also, unwanted downloads and/or installation can be caused by clicking deceptive advertisements that are designed to execute certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Files and programs should not be downloaded (or installed) through questionable sources, tools like Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., eMule, torrent clients), unofficial pages, third party downloaders, installers, and so on. It is recommended to download everything from official pages and via direct links. Also, download and installation setups that have settings like 'Advanced', 'Custom' should be checked for offers to download and/or install unwanted apps/. Advertisements that appear on shady sites should not be clicked - quite often those ads open untrustworthy pages, in some cases they cause download, installation of unwanted software. If there are any suspicious, unwanted extensions, plug-ins or add-ons installed on a browser, then they should be removed from it. The same should be done with programs of this kind that are installed on the operating system/computer. If your computer is already infected with ExecutiveOperation, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ExecutiveOperation installation is over:
Fake Adobe Flash Player installer used to distribute ExecutiveOperation:
Z6airr.com redirects to search.yahoo.com (GIF):
Search.basicgeneration.com redirects to google.com (GIF):
Search.basicgeneration.com redirects to search.yahoo.com (GIF):
ExecutiveOperation installed on Safari:
ExecutiveOperation's Contents folder:
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Quick menu:
- STEP 1. Remove ExecutiveOperation related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExecutiveOperation ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExecutiveOperation adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExecutiveOperation ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExecutiveOperation adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExecutiveOperation adware removal:
Remove ExecutiveOperation-related potentially unwanted applications from your 'Applications' folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select 'Applications'. In the applications folder, look for 'MPlayerX','NicePlayer', or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Remove ads by executiveoperation related files and folders:
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents
In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/Application Support
In the “Application Support” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, “MplayerX” or “NicePlayer”, and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware-generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents
In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons
In the “LaunchDaemons” folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”, 'com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure your system is not infected run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file double click combocleaner.dmg installer, in the opened window drag and drop Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates it's virus definition database and click 'Start Combo Scan' button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays 'no threats found' - this means that you can continue with the removal guide, otherwise it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Ads by ExecutiveOperation removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by executiveoperation related Safari extensions:
Open Safari browser, from the menu bar, select 'Safari' and click 'Preferences...'.
In the preferences window, select 'Extensions' and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the 'Uninstall' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove ads by executiveoperation related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the 'Open Menu' (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose 'Add-ons'.
Choose the 'Extensions' tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Remove' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove ads by executiveoperation related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the 'Chrome menu' (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose 'More Tools' and select 'Extensions'.
In the 'Extensions' window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Trash' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
What is Adware.MAC.OSX.Pirrit?
Adware.MAC.OSX.Pirrit is an adware infection. Adware refers to unwanted applications that generate revenue for their creators by displaying advertisements on users’ computers. Adware is most commonly installed using a deceptive software marketing method called ‘bundling’. Users are tricked into believing that they are downloading a Flash Player update, or other popular free software, but often do not notice other unwanted applications attached to the installation steps of the software they initially downloaded. By not paying enough attention to installation steps, many users inadvertently install adware onto their systems.
Adware comes in many forms such as fake Chromium-based browsers, weather forecast widgets, toolbars, etc. The behaviour of adware applications often varies. Some bombard Internet browsers with pop-up ads, whilst others stealthily track users’ browsing behaviour and send the recorded information to advertisers. Some might add a ‘virtual layer’ to websites that users visit and display additional banner ads.
How to know if your Mac is infected with adware?
- Pop-up ads appear while browsing the Internet. Although this could be normal, look for pop-up ads that seem out of place or inappropriate – for example, a pop-up ad opens when visiting Google.com.
- Your Internet browsers have slowed down (most adware programs are poorly programmed and their presence significantly reduces browser performance).
- Legitimate websites show dubious ads. Adware applications use a ‘virtual layer’ over everyday legitimate sites to display various ads. For example, you should be suspicious if you visit google.com and see banner ads promoting gambling or adult content.
- You see new extensions or toolbars that you did not install. Adware applications commonly install various toolbars and browser add-ons that redirect users to specific Internet searches or display advertisements. For example, rather than going through google.com, Internet searches are redirected to yahoo.com or bing.com.
Appearance of a fake Flash Player update pop-up distributing adware infections:
How did Adware.MAC.OSX.Pirrit install on my Mac?
The most common source of adware infections are free. software download websites, fake Flash Player updates, and torrent download sites. For example, after downloading a popular player from a software download website, users might rush through the installation steps not noticing that they are, by default, agreeing to install various toolbars and other adware together with the downloaded app.
Owners of download websites add a ‘download agent’ or ‘custom installer’ that “offers” (sometimes in a very deceptive way) installation of additional applications (most commonly, adware) together with the downloaded free software. Deceptive pop-up ads are another common source of adware used to trick users into downloading supposedly useful apps (for example, weather forecast widgets). In fact, the main purpose of these apps is to display ads and generate revenue for their developers.
Appearance of a deceptive free software installer that is bundling adware infections:
How to avoid installation of adware?
To minimise the chances of Mac infection by adware, download free, software from developers’ websites only. Do not search for software cracks or use Torrent websites. Never trust Internet pop-up ads asking you to update software (for example, Flash or Java) – these ads are often part of a scam and you will download trojans and adware, rather than any software update. When installing free software, be attentive and check all advanced/expert installation options, since these might reveal potential installation of adware.
Automatic Adware.MAC.OSX.Pirrit removal:
Manual adware removal can be a lengthy and risky process that involves removing files from various locations on the system. Combo Cleaner is award-winning Mac antivirus software that can detect and remove Adware.MAC.OSX.Pirrit automatically. Click the button below to download Combo Cleaner:
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Free Scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove threats, you have to purchase the full version of Combo Cleaner
Free Scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove threats, you have to purchase the full version of Combo Cleaner
Manual Adware.MAC.OSX.Pirrit removal:
1. Click on any blank space on your desktop, then select “Go” from the top menu.
2. Select “Go to folder“…
In the opened window, individually paste the lines shown below. In the opened folders, look for adware generated files and remove them. Look for recently-added files that seem out of place. Here are some examples of malware generated files: “com.MyMacUpdater.agent.plist“, “com.MyShopcoupon.agent.plist“, etc.
Here’s a list of folders commonly used by adware infections:
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/Application
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
Here’s a sample of how a folder with adware files looks like:
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Adware removal using Activity Monitor:
1. Open you Launchpad, select “Other“, in the opened list select “Activity Monitor“.
2. In Activity Monitor look for any suspicious process name, when located double click on it.
3. In the opened window click the “Sample” button. This will open an additional window where you will see a line starting with “Path:” Select the path of the suspicious process (select the path, then right click your mouse over the selection and click “copy“).
4. Click on any blank space on your desktop, then select “Go” from the top menu.
5. From the “Go” menu select “Go to Folder…“, in the opened window paste the path of the suspicious process you copied previously.
6. From the opened folder: drag and drop the file of the suspicious process to your trash can.
Some adware applications install unwanted browser extensions that allow them to display unwanted advertisements or redirect users’ Internet searches. The next step when dealing with adware infections is removal of rogue browser extensions:
Remove rogue browser extensions from Safari:
Step 1 Open your Safari browser. Click on Safari (top menu) and select “Preferences” from the list.
Step 2 In the preferences window select “Extensions” and remove all suspicious extensions by clicking “Uninstall“.
Remove rogue browser extensions from Google Chrome:
Step 1 Open your Google Chrome browser and click on the three dots symbol. From the opened list select “More Tools” and then “Extensions“.
Step 2 In the opened window look for suspicious extensions and click on “Remove” button next to them.
Remove rogue browser extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Step 1 Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. Click on the three lines symbol. From the opened list select “Add-ons“.
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Step 2 In the opened window look for suspicious add-ons and remove them by clicking “Remove” button next to them.