How to uninstall AccessibleBoost adware from your operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
How to remove AccessibleBoost adware from Mac?
What is AccessibleBoost?
AccessibleBoost is an adware-type application with browser hijacker qualities. It runs intrusive advertisement campaigns, makes modifications to browser settings and promotes a fake search engine. AccessibleBoost promotes z6airr.com. It is not unlikely that AccessibleBoost spies on browsing activity, as most adware-types and browser hijackers have such data tracking abilities. Due to the dubious techniques used to distribute AccessibleBoost, it is deemed to be a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). One of the proliferation methods used for this app is distribution via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. It is noteworthy that illegitimate software updaters/installers are used to spread not only PUAs but also malware (e.g. trojans, ransomware, etc.).
Adware enables the placement of pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys and other intrusive advertisements - typically, on any visited website. These adverts overlay webpage content and limit the browsing speed. Additionally, when intrusive ads are clicked on, they redirect to various unreliable/malicious sites and some can even execute scripts to stealthily download/install software (e.g. PUAs). Browser hijackers reassign browsers' homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URL - to the addresses of fake web searchers. Hence, with AccessibleBoost installed: every new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar - redirect to z6airr.com. Fake search engines are seldom capable of generating search results, so they redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing and other legitimate ones. Browser hijackers can undo any changes users attempt to make to their browsers and/or restrict/deny access to the browser's settings. What is more, most PUAs can track data. They monitor browsing history (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and gather sensitive information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). The collected data usually contains personally identifiable information and PUA developers share/sell it to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on devices can result in system infections, financial losses, severe privacy issues and even identity theft. To ensure device integrity and user safety, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
Name | Ads by AccessibleBoost |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Endgame (Malicious (moderate Confidence)), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.i), 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), fake Flash Player installers, 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. |
InitiatorField, SectionIndexer, CapitalCharacterSearch - are some examples of software within the adware category. It appears legitimate and useful. Users are enticed into download/installation with a wide variety of functionalities. However, the promised features are rarely operational. In fact, this applies to nearly all PUAs. The sole purpose of unwanted applications is to generate revenue for the developers; to users - they have no real value and can instead cause serious issues. PUAs are designed to run intrusive advert campaigns, modify browsers, cause redirects and track private data.
How did AccessibleBoost install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed via download/installation setups of other products. "Bundling" is the term used to describe this false marketing tactic of packing regular with unwanted or malicious additions. Rushed download/installation processes (e.g. ignored terms, used presets, etc.) - increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system. Select PUAs have "official" promotional webpages, from which they can be downloaded. Intrusive advertisements proliferate these applications as well. Once clicked on, they can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without user permission.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is strongly advised to research products prior to download/installation and/or purchase. All downloads have to be done from official and verified sources. Dubious download channels, like: unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders. When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings and opt-out from supplementary apps, tools, features, etc. Intrusive ads appear ordinary, however they redirect to gambling, pornography, adult-dating and various other highly questionable sites. Should users encounter adverts and/or redirects of this kind, they must inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins from it. If your computer is already infected with AccessibleBoost, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
AccessibleBoost adware distributed via fake Adobe Flash Player updater/installer:
Pop-up window displayed once AccessibleBoost installation is over:
Appearance of AccessibleBoost promoting z6airr.com (GIF):
AccessibleBoost adware's installation folder:
AccessibleBoost adware installed onto the Safari browser:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer 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 three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- What is AccessibleBoost?
- STEP 1. Remove AccessibleBoost related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AccessibleBoost ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AccessibleBoost adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AccessibleBoost ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AccessibleBoost adware using Combo Cleaner:
AccessibleBoost adware removal:
Remove AccessibleBoost-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 ads by accessibleboost 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 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 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 in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure 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 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 it's virus definition database and click "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.
Ads by AccessibleBoost removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by accessibleboost related Safari extensions:
Open 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 normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove ads by accessibleboost related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the "Open Menu" (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose "Add-ons".
Choose the "Extensions" tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Remove" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove ads by accessibleboost related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose "More Tools" and select "Extensions".
In the "Extensions" window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Trash" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
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