Remove OptiBuy ads (Removal Guide) - updated Jul 2017
OptiBuy ads Removal Guide
What is OptiBuy ads?
OptiBuy focuses on Mac users
OptiBuy virus is an ad-supported application which typically targets Mac operating systems [1]. Once installed, the so-called adware continuously tracks victim’s browsing habits, collecting search queries, browsing history, IP address, and similar pieces of data.
Later on, the adware starts injecting annoying pop-up ads on websites that user visits, especially on shopping sites. That’s probably the reason computer security-related online forums with questions inquiring how to get rid of Optibuy ads.
It is interesting that the users are especially concerned with how to remove Optibuy from Chrome. This may signal that the browser is especially vulnerable to the adware. Nevertheless, this does not mean users of other browsers can relax. The virus has been spotted infecting other web engines, too. So don’t be too sure that one day this unwelcome guest will not show up on your computer as well.
The developer of this annoying adware hides its company name, but our team has discovered dozens of identical adware programs that it has launched, including HotShoppy, Couponizer, SurfBuyer, and others. Each of these pesky programs tracks user’s browsing preferences to formulate virtual layer of targeted ads.
Unfortunately, Optibuy ads are considered to be untrustworthy as they can easily redirect the victim to hazardous web pages, and that obviously poses a threat to user’s privacy and computer’s security. Due to these problems, we suggest you remove OptiBuy from Mac using compatible software, for example, Malwarebytes.
Analysis of Opti Buy Privacy Policy raised even more concerns to our experts. The document claims that the software uses third-party advertising and marketing companies to display ads and that these ads may contain cookies.
What is more, the developer admits that it “has no access to information that would confirm the use of cookies by the advertising company” and that it has no control over the content of these advertisements, besides, existence of the ads “shall not be construed as an endorsement by the Company” or the advertisement content.
Therefore, such claims clearly do not shape a reputable image of this ad-supported program. It seems that all it seeks is pay-per-click revenue [2] and that it hardly cares about the reliability of advertisements it displays. If you do not want to be lured into suspicious or even dangerous websites by clicking on catchy-looking ads, complete OptiBuy removal right away.
It can be presumed that largest number of software downloads is in the US, but the software may as well spread across European countries, Germany [3], France or Spain, and reach other continents such as Asia or Australia.
Investigating adware appearance on your computer
Although many Mac or PC users claim that they did not install certain adware programs, that is not, in fact, true. In order to be installed, these programs need to get user’s permission, but these deceptive programs ask for it in quite a shady way.
To begin with, we must say that potentially unwanted programs such as adware or browser hijackers are typically distributed along with freeware such as games, download managers, or media players.
When installing these programs, checking what’s written in the installation settings is a must. Typically, such programs promote suspicious ad-supported programs in order to generate pay-per-install revenue, so they supplement Default/Standard settings with statements granting user’s permission to install all of the additions.
These agreements can be deselected via Custom or Advanced settings, so make sure you choose those instead of pre-selected Default/Standard/Recommended ones.
Suggestions on how to remove ads by Optibuy from the infected PC
Instructions provided below explain how to remove OptiBuy virus from Mac. Do not hesitate and try to uninstall this annoying program on your own.
If you do not understand the instructions or something goes wrong — you can always complete OptiBuy removal with the help of anti-malware software like Malwarebytes. Do not let this annoying adware program remain on your computer system and do not fall for its ads because they are unlikely to be useful when trying to save money shopping online.
You may remove virus damage with a help of ReimageIntego. 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.
Getting rid of OptiBuy ads. Follow these steps
Delete from macOS
If your Mac was infected with the described adware, carry out the following instructions. In Applications folder, you should find the following folder: OptiBuy. Move it to Trash. Then, go to /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder and move this file to Trash: com.OptiBuy.agent.plist.
Remove items from Applications folder:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Uninstall unfamiliar extension from your Mozilla extension list and reset your browser to save changes.
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Options.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data…
- Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Google Chrome
Delete suspicious extensions from Chrome to finish the removal procedure.
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Delete all Safari Extensions that were added without your knowledge.
Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of OptiBuy registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: ReimageIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting OptiBuy ads
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
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 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. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
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- ^ Rick Delgado. Macs are Safer than PCs, Right?. Infosecurity Magazine. Information Security & IT Security News and Resources.
- ^ Pay-per-click. Wikipedia. The Free Encyclopedia.
- ^ Die Viren. Die Viren. Malware news, reviews and removal tutorials.