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How to remove the DefaultBoost adware-type app from your Mac

Also Known As: Ads by DefaultBoost
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is DefaultBoost?

Our research team discovered the DefaultBoost rogue application during a routine inspection of new file submissions to VirusTotal. After examining this app, we determined that DefaultBoost is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. It is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users unwanted and potentially malicious ads.

DefaultBoost adware

DefaultBoost adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of ads (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.

These advertisements predominantly endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some of the adverts can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that any genuine products or services encountered via these ads – are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in a scheme to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Adware might need certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc.). Even if DefaultBoost does not display ads – it remains a threat to device and user safety.

Additionally, while AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities, DefaultBoost did not exhibit them during our analysis.

What is more, DefaultBoost likely has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, advertising-supported software like DefaultBoost may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by DefaultBoost
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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), 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 seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Adware examples

We have analyzed numerous adware-type applications; DesktopMapperConnectionProjector, and AdvancedUpdater are but a few examples.

Advertising-supported software usually appears harmless and offers a wide variety of handy functionalities. However, these features tend to be fake and are used to entice users into downloading/installing the software. It must be stressed that operational functionalities are not a defining indicator of a software's legitimacy or safety.

How did DefaultBoost install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing method – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions.

Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) increases the risk of allowing bundled content into the system. This is also true of rushing through installation processes, such as ignoring terms and skipping steps; using "Easy/Express" settings is likewise a risk since the presence of supplements is often hidden within the "Custom/Advanced" options.

Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users primarily enter these pages via redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Intrusive advertisements spread this software as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading times, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.

We also advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

If you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications on browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DefaultBoost, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once DefaultBoost adware's installation is over:

Pop-up displayed once DefaultBoost installation is complete

DefaultBoost adware's installation folder:

DefaultBoost adware install folder

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Video showing how to remove DefaultBoost adware using Combo Cleaner:

DefaultBoost adware removal:

Remove DefaultBoost-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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 exact same string.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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 exact same string.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure 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 the 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 its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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 regular browser operation.

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware delivers advertisements that endorse deceptive/dangerous content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). It can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionality – therefore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to deliver intrusive ad campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs by promoting various sites, software, products, services, and so on. Adware developers might earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove DefaultBoost adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all the adware-type apps present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, various file leftovers remain hidden within the system following the adware's manual removal. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.