Remove OptiBuy ads (Removal Guide) - updated Jul 2017
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.
Questions about OptiBuy ads
OptiBuy is an adware program that typically infects Mac OS. Once installed, this annoying application displays intrusive online advertisements, mostly in a form of web banners.
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 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.
To remove OptiBuy ads, follow these steps:
Delete OptiBuy from Mac OS X system
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.
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If you are using OS X, click Go button at the top left of the screen and select Applications.
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Wait until you see Applications folder and look for OptiBuy or any other suspicious programs on it. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash.
Eliminate OptiBuy from Internet Explorer (IE)
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Remove dangerous add-ons
Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top right corner of the browser and choose Manage Add-ons.
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You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for OptiBuy and other suspicious plugins. Disable these entries by clicking Disable:
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Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Click on the gear icon (menu) on the top right corner of the browser and select Internet Options. Stay in General tab. -
Here, remove malicious URL and enter preferable domain name. Click Apply to save changes.
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Reset Internet Explorer
Click on the gear icon (menu) again and select Internet options. Go to Advanced tab. - Here, select Reset.
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When in the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset again to complete OptiBuy removal.
Remove OptiBuy ads from Microsoft Edge
Reset Microsoft Edge settings (Method 1):
- Launch Microsoft Edge app and click More (three dots at the top right corner of the screen).
- Click Settings to open more options.
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Once Settings window shows up, click Choose what to clear button under Clear browsing data option.
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Here, select all what you want to remove and click Clear.
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Now you should right-click on the Start button (Windows logo). Here, select Task Manager.
- When in Processes tab, search for Microsoft Edge.
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Right-click on it and choose Go to details option. If can’t see Go to details option, click More details and repeat previous steps.
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When Details tab shows up, find every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right click on each of them and select End Task to end these entries.
Resetting Microsoft Edge browser (Method 2):
If Method 1 failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method.
- Note: you need to backup your data before using this method.
- Find this folder on your computer:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe. -
Select every entry which is saved on it and right click with your mouse. Then Delete option.
- Click the Start button (Windows logo) and type in window power in Search my stuff line.
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Right-click the Windows PowerShell entry and choose Run as administrator.
- Once Administrator: Windows PowerShell window shows up, paste this command line after PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml -Verbose}
Once these steps are finished, OptiBuy should be removed from your Microsoft Edge browser.
Erase OptiBuy from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Uninstall unfamiliar extension from your Mozilla extension list and reset your browser to save changes.
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Remove dangerous extensions
Open Mozilla Firefox, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Add-ons → Extensions.
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Here, select OptiBuy and other questionable plugins. Click Remove to delete these entries.
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Reset Mozilla Firefox
Click on the Firefox menu on the top left and click on the question mark. Here, choose Troubleshooting Information.
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Now you will see Reset Firefox to its default state message with Reset Firefox button. Click this button for several times and complete OptiBuy removal.
Get rid of OptiBuy from Google Chrome
Delete suspicious extensions from Chrome to finish the removal procedure.
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Delete malicious plugins
Open Google Chrome, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Tools → Extensions.
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Here, select OptiBuy and other malicious plugins and select trash icon to delete these entries.
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Click on menu icon again and choose Settings → Manage Search engines under the Search section.
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When in Search Engines..., remove malicious search sites. You should leave only Google or your preferred domain name.
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Reset Google Chrome
Click on menu icon on the top right of your Google Chrome and select Settings. -
Scroll down to the end of the page and click on Reset browser settings.
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Click Reset to confirm this action and complete OptiBuy removal.
Uninstall OptiBuy from Safari
Delete all Safari Extensions that were added without your knowledge.
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Remove dangerous extensions
Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences.
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Here, select Extensions and look for OptiBuy or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.
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Reset Safari
Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari....
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Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete OptiBuy removal process.
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. It is a hassle when your website is protected from suspicious connections and unauthorized IP addresses.
The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address. If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for server or network manager that need to monitor connections and activities. This is how you bypass some of the authentications factors and can remotely use your banking accounts without triggering suspicious with each login.
VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world. It is better to clock the access to your website from different IP addresses. So you can keep the project safe and secure when you have the dedicated IP address VPN and protected access to the content management system.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer various losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Software issues created by malware or direct data loss due to encryption can lead to problems with your device or permanent damage. When you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work.
It is crucial to create updates to your backups after any changes on the device, so you can get back to the point you were working on when malware changes anything or issues with the device causes data or performance corruption. Rely on such behavior and make file backup your daily or weekly habit.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware occurs out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the system restoring purpose.
About the author
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References
- ^ 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.
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