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How to uninstall CommonBoost from computers

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

What kind of application is CommonBoost?

Our analysis reveals that CommonBoost behaves like typical adware, flooding users with intrusive ads that can lead to scams and other online dangers. Additionally, several security vendors have flagged CommonBoost as malicious. Thus, users should avoid installing this app and remove it if it is already present.

CommonBoost adware

CommonBoost adware in detail

Once installed, CommonBoost can generate unwanted, annoying, and misleading pop-ups, coupons, banners, and other advertisements. These ads can include fake warnings, alerts, offers, and other deceptive content. Thus, clicking them can take users to potentially malicious web pages, including phishing sites.

Phishing sites are fraudulent websites designed to imitate legitimate ones in order to trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, ID card information, or other personal details. Also, ads from CommonBoost can promote technical support scams, bogus lotteries, giveaways, and other scams.

Moreover, clicking these ads can take users to web pages designed to trick them into downloading unwanted and malicious software. Overall, interacting with the ads displayed by CommonBoost can result in financial loss, identity theft, malware infiltration, and other issues. In addition to showing ads, CommonBoost may harvest data.

This can include a variety of personal information, including browsing history, search queries, and click patterns. CommonBoost may also gather sensitive data such as login credentials, email addresses, and financial details. This information can be used to hijack personal accounts and for other malicious purposes and sold to third parties.

In addition to privacy risks, CommonBoost can slow down system performance (by consuming resources) and alter browser settings (hijack browsers). For these reasons, it is highly advisable to avoid installing CommonBoost and similar applications.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by CommonBoost
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), 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.

Conclusion

Adware is a threat that can compromise user privacy, disrupt online experiences, and lead to various security risks. In most cases, it generates intrusive ads and may collect personal data without consent. In order to stay safe, it is important to avoid adware and use reliable security tools like Combo Cleaner to remove it.

More adware examples are ServiceOptimizer, OriginalAccessibility, and FastFix.

How did CommonBoost install on my computer?

Adware tends to be installed through free or questionable programs, often without users' realizing it. This happens when users overlook installation options, such as "Advanced" or "Custom", and unknowingly agree to adware installation (or other unwanted offers).

Apps of this type can also be acquired from untrustworthy sources like unofficial websites, shady app stores, P2P networks, or third-party downloaders. In addition, adware spreads through deceptive ads, pop-ups, and content on unreliable websites.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Always download apps and files from official stores or web pages. Be sure to check the "Custom" or "Advanced" installation options and uncheck/deselect any unwanted software or other offers. Never allow notifications from suspicious websites, and avoid clicking links or opening attachments in emails that seem untrustworthy.

Additionally, avoid engaging with ads, pop-ups, or links on dubious websites, and ensure that your system, security software, and apps are always up to date. If your computer is already infected with CommonBoost, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A pop-up that appears after the installation of CommonBoost adware:

CommonBoost adware pop-up displayed once installation is done

CommonBoost's installation folder:

CommonBoost 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:

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

CommonBoost adware removal:

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

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can cause slow system performance, disrupt user experience with intrusive ads, cause privacy issues, and system crashes.

What does adware do?

Adware displays intrusive ads. In addition to delivering ads, it may hijack browsers and collect personal data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers often make money by promoting products, websites, or services through affiliate programs, earning commissions when users interact with ads or make purchases via the links/ads.

Will Combo Cleaner remove CommonBoost adware?

Combo Cleaner can effectively remove adware from your system. Manual removal may not fully eradicate it, as some files might remain hidden and certain components could stay active. For complete removal, a thorough scan with dedicated software is recommended.

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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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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

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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.