How to eliminate the FilterBoard adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is FilterBoard?
Our researchers discovered the FilterBoard app while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). FilterBoard belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
FilterBoard adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and deceptive advertisements. This third-party graphical content is displayed on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
It is pertinent to mention that software within this classification might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if the browser/system specs are incompatible, specific webpages are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if FilterBoard does not display adverts – it endangers device and user safety.
Adware-delivered ads primarily promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that while genuine products or services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, while AdLoad applications tend to have browser hijacker qualities, we did not observe these traits while investigating FilterBoard.
What is more, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to the FilterBoard app. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like FilterBoard may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by FilterBoard |
| 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 investigated thousands of adware-type apps; HyperTextInternet, ProcesserFlow, BoostMapper, and OptionSatellite are merely some examples. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and harmless. However, the features promised by adware are usually nonoperational.
It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did FilterBoard install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Most users enter these pages through redirects generated by websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with FilterBoard, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once FilterBoard adware's installation is over:
FilterBoard 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 FilterBoard?
- STEP 1. Remove FilterBoard related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove FilterBoard ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove FilterBoard adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove FilterBoard ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove FilterBoard adware using Combo Cleaner:
FilterBoard adware removal:
Remove FilterBoard-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-displayed advertisements promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It usually has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, adware is categorized as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some adware types are capable of force-opening websites and collecting vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue via affiliate programs by endorsing sites, software, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove FilterBoard adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, file leftovers remain hidden within the system following the adware's manual removal. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion