How to eliminate ProgressBoost adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is ProgressBoost?
While inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, our researchers found the ProgressBoost application. The analysis of this software revealed that it operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
ProgressBoost adware overview
Adware is designed to display adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The delivered advertisements endorse scams, untrustworthy/fraudulent software, and malware. Additionally, some intrusive ads can perform downloads/installations without user permission upon being clicked.
Note that any legitimate content encountered through these adverts is highly unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing a product's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It must be mentioned that advertising-supported software might not display advertisements if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., incompatible browser/system specs, particular sites are not visited, etc. However, even if ProgressBoost does not deliver ads - its presence endangers device and user safety.
Additionally, this rogue app might have browser hijacker qualities, as they are often part of AdLoad adware. However, ProgressBoost did not exhibit any during testing.
Furthermore, this piece of software likely collects private data. Adware usually gathers browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable information can be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like ProgressBoost on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ProgressBoost |
| 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.G), 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), 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. |
Adware examples
ProgramOpen, SilkTopic, ChipSynergy, and FunctionBlast are merely some examples of the adware-type applications that we have analyzed recently. Advertising-supported software typically looks ordinary and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of "handy" functions, which are rarely operational.
How did ProgressBoost install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing tactic - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Furthermore, intrusive advertisements proliferate adware. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations. Fake Adobe Flash Player installers/updaters are used in distribution as well.
Advertising-supported software is also endorsed on dubious download pages and scam websites. Most users enter these sites through redirects caused by intrusive adverts, mistyped URLs, webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software products before download/installation and/or purchase. Installation processes must be approached with caution. Hence, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious material typically looks innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements appear ordinary and harmless, yet they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ProgressBoost, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ProgressBoost adware's installation is over:
ProgressBoost 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
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Quick menu:
- What is ProgressBoost?
- STEP 1. Remove ProgressBoost related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ProgressBoost ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ProgressBoost adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ProgressBoost ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ProgressBoost adware using Combo Cleaner:
ProgressBoost adware removal:
Remove ProgressBoost-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 advertisements can be detective/malicious and cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software usually has data tracking functionalities - therefore, it is considered a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of various ads on visited sites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some adware-types can force-open webpages and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, etc. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ProgressBoost adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating detected adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - various leftover files remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining content may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, adware must be eliminated thoroughly.
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