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How to remove BoostCoordinator adware from the operating system

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

What is BoostCoordinator?

In most cases, users download and install apps such as BoostCoordinator unintentionally and, for this reason, they are classified as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). This particular app functions not only as adware but also as a browser hijacker.

Therefore, it serves advertisements and promotes the address of a fake search engine by changing browser settings. It also collects private, sensitive information.

BoostCoordinator adware

Generally, when adware is installed on the browser and/or operating system, it serves banners, coupons, pop-ups, surveys and other advertisements. These often promote (open) dubious websites and, in some cases, execute scripts designed to cause unwanted downloads and installations.

As mentioned, BoostCoordinator functions as a browser hijacker: it changes browser settings such as the address of the homepage, default search engine and new tab, to the address of a fake search engine.

Typically, these bogus search engines do not generate unique results (often providing those generated by other, legitimate search engines) or they generate results that can include links to untrusted pages. Note that users can only remove the address of fake search engines when the app that promotes them is no longer installed.

The BoostCoordinator adware/browser hijacker can also collect data such credit card details, passwords, telephone numbers and other sensitive information. This could be misused for malicious purposes. For example, to steal identities and personal accounts, and to make fraudulent purchases and transactions.

Therefore, you are strongly advised to remove BoostCoordinator from browsers and computers.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by BoostCoordinator
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
Detection Names AVG (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Elastic (Malicious (moderate Confidence)), 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 the 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.
▼ 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.

More examples of PUAs similar to BoostCoordinator are InitialWindow, ConnectionFormat and ExpandedSkill. They are usually advertised as legitimate, useful, etc. In fact, most are designed only to generate revenue for the developers by serving ads, promoting dubious addresses and gathering data.

Users who have installed these apps are exposed to issues relating to browsing safety and privacy, and they might even become victims of identity theft, suffer monetary loss or experience other serious problems. Remove all PUAs immediately.

How did BoostCoordinator install on my computer?

Sometimes users download and install PUAs by clicking deceptive advertisements that are capable of executing certain scripts. More often, they download and install them together with other, regular programs. Commonly, developers distribute PUAs by including them into the download/installation set-ups of other programs as 'additional offers'.

Many users fail to notice these offers or decline them (in "Advanced", "Custom" or other similar settings). This allows PUAs to be downloaded and installed.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Commonly, PUAs (and malicious applications) are distributed through Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule, unofficial pages, third party downloaders, installers and other download and/or installation sources/tools of this kind. Programs and files should be downloaded and installed only from official pages and via direct links.

Check all "Custom" and "Advanced" settings and decline offers to download or install potentially unwanted applications before completing the process. Do not click advertisements that are displayed on dubious pages, since they can open other dubious websites or cause unwanted downloads and installations.

Remove any suspicious extensions, add-ons and plug-ins installed on the browser. Also remove programs this kind that are installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with BoostCoordinator, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once BoostCoordinator installation is complete:

boostcoordinator adware pop-up displayed once installation is done

BoostCoordinator installed on Safari:

boostcoordinator adware installed on safari

BoostCoordinator installation folder:

boostcoordinator adware contents 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 BoostCoordinator adware using Combo Cleaner:

BoostCoordinator adware removal:

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

mac browser hijacker removal from 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

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.

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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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Removal Instructions in other languages
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

QR Code
Ads by BoostCoordinator QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by BoostCoordinator on your mobile device.
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