Removal instructions for NanoBoost adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is NanoBoost?
We found NanoBoost while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Our examination revealed that this application is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. NanoBoost is designed to deliver intrusive ad campaigns, but it may also have other harmful capabilities.
NanoBoost adware overview
Adware can display third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, surveys, coupons, etc.) on various interfaces, such as visited sites, desktops, or others. These advertisements commonly endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products or services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is performed by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Software within this classification might not run intrusive advertisement campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, particular websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Yet even if NanoBoost does not display adverts – it threatens device and user safety.
While AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking functionalities, we did not observe these qualities while investigating NanoBoost.
Adware usually possesses data-tracking abilities, and this might be true of NanoBoost. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. This vulnerable data can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, software like NanoBoost may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by NanoBoost |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type apps; PlatformSample, OriginalProcess, DominantSoftware, and CoordinatorSkill are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears ordinary and offers various functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did NanoBoost install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Additionally, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. They are most commonly accessed via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additions (e.g., applications, extensions, tools, etc.).
We also advise exercising caution when browsing, as fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect apps and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with NanoBoost, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once NanoBoost adware's installation is over:
NanoBoost adware's installation 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:
- What is NanoBoost?
- STEP 1. Remove NanoBoost related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove NanoBoost ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove NanoBoost adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove NanoBoost ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove NanoBoost adware using Combo Cleaner:
NanoBoost adware removal:
Remove NanoBoost-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
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
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/
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.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
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.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:
In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/
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.
Scan 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.
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.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
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.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the 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".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(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".
- 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-delivered adverts promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software can decrease browser quality and system performance. What is more, adware typically has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is considered a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. Some types are also capable of generating redirects and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar. Most of the profit is made via affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove NanoBoost adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, various file remnants stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion