How to remove OperativeSignal (Mac)

What is OperativeSignal

OperativeSignal is a type of adware that specifically targets Mac computers. It is part of the AdLoad malware family and is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. Adware, in general, is software that displays advertisements on various interfaces, often promoting online scams, unreliable software, and even malware. The ads may execute scripts to perform downloads or installations without user consent, leading to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft. OperativeSignal adware poses a significant threat to Mac users by compromising system integrity, user privacy, and overall device performance. Users should take proactive measures to prevent infection and follow recommended steps for removal if their system is compromised. It is crucial to maintain good cybersecurity practices and use reliable security tools to protect against such threats.

How OperativeSignal infects Mac computers

OperativeSignal can infect Mac computers through several methods, including:

Software Bundling: It is often bundled with other software, and users may inadvertently install it alongside a desired program if they do not opt-out during the installation process.
Malicious Advertisements: Users may be redirected to malicious sites by clicking on deceptive ads that download and install OperativeSignal.
Fake Alerts or Updates: The adware may be disguised as a legitimate software update or alert, tricking users into installing it.

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

Remove OperativeSignal manually for free

Note: OperativeSignal 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 “OperativeSignal” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: OperativeSignal 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 OperativeSignal in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

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

Remove OperativeSignal from Applications

Remove OperativeSignal from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall OperativeSignal

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

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

Remove OperativeSignal add-on from your browsers

Removing OperativeSignal 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 OperativeSignal 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 OperativeSignal 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 OperativeSignal 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 OperativeSignal extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish OperativeSignal 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 OperativeSignal


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


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

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 OperativeSignal in browsers.

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like OperativeSignal

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.