ActivateOptimization

ActivateOptimization is another invasive PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) that tries to sneak its way onto users' Mac devices. The application is likely being distributed via underhanded tactics, such as shady software bundles or fake Adobe Flash installers/updaters. The main functionality of the application appears to be that of adware. As a result, users who have ActivateOptimization installed on their Mac devices could be subjected to an intrusive and unwanted ad campaign.

Advertisements generated by adware applications could appear as surveys, pop-ups, banners and more. They also could be injected into unrelated websites, in an attempt to seem more legitimate. Approaching advertisements delivered by unknown or unfamiliar sources should be done with caution. The advertisements are likely to promote questionable or even unsafe destinations, such as corrupted websites, fake giveaways, shady online dating/betting platforms, additional PUPs and more. Interacting with the advertisements also may trigger forced redirects, leading to similarly untrustworthy places.

In addition, PUPs are infamous for spying on users' browsing activities. The collected information also could include various device details or even sensitive payment and banking details extracted from the browser's autofill data. The acquired information is likely to be packaged and transmitted to a remote server under the control of the PUP's operators.