How to uninstall StandardBoost adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is StandardBoost?
StandardBoost is an adware-type application with browser hijacker traits. It operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns and making changes to browser settings to promote fake search engines. Additionally, most adware and browser hijackers have data tracking capabilities, which are used to monitor users' browsing activity.
Since users typically download/install this app inadvertently, it is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). One of the dubious techniques used in StandardBoost's distribution is proliferation through fake Adobe Flash Player updates.
Note that bogus updaters/installers are employed to spread, not only PUAs, but also Trojans, ransomware and other malware.
StandardBoost adware overview
Adware enables the placement of third party graphical content, usually on any visited website. I.e., it delivers pop-ups, banners, coupons and other intrusive advertisements that overlay web page content and reduce browsing speed.
Furthermore, these ads pose a threat to device/user safety. When clicked, intrusive ads can redirect to various dubious/malicious sites, and some can even infiltrate rogue software (e.g. PUAs) into systems.
Browser hijackers reassign the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs to the addresses of fake search engines. Therefore, new browser tabs/windows opened and web searches made via the URL bar redirects to the promoted address.
Fake search engines are seldom able to provide search results, and so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Google, Bing, Yahoo and other legitimate ones. To ensure persistence, browser hijackers can undo any changes users attempt to make to their browsers and/or restrict/deny access to the browser settings outright.
As mentioned, most PUAs can track data. They monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect sensitive information derived from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details).
The gathered data is likely to contain personally identifiable information. PUA developers then monetize the obtained information by sharing it with and/or selling it to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of unwanted software can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial loss and even identity theft.
Therefore, you are strongly advised to remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by StandardBoost |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-MT [Trj]), Fortinet (Adware/Cimpli!OSX), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), 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. |
Adware examples
SkilledObject, SearchUp and InitialSkill are some examples of other apps within the adware classification. They may seem normal and innocuous, and users are often lured into download/installation with offers of various "useful" features, however, the advertised functionality is seldom operational.
In fact, this applies to most PUAs. The only purpose of this unwanted software is to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than delivering any real value, PUAs run intrusive ad campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects and gather private data.
How did StandardBoost install on my computer?
Browser hijackers, adware-type apps, and other types of PUAs are commonly distributed by integrating them into the download and/or installation set-ups of other programs, so that a proportion of users inadvertently download and install them together with their chosen software. This distribution method is known as "bundling".
Offers to download and install additionally-included apps usually appear in "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings of the set-ups (where they can usually be declined). Many users fail to check and change these settings, thereby granting permission for PUAs to be downloaded and installed by default.
In addition, unwanted downloads and installations are sometimes caused by clicking deceptive advertisements capable of executing certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
You are advised to research all software before download/installation or purchase. All downloads must be done from official and verified sources, since dubious channels such as unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders commonly offer deceptive or bundled content.
When downloading/installing, read the terms, explore all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of supplementary apps, tools, features, etc. Intrusive ads may seem normal and harmless, however, they can redirect to various dubious web pages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others).
If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove any suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately.
If your computer is already infected with StandardBoost, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed when StandardBoost adware is installed:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"StandardBoostd" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Screenshots of StandardBoost adware distributed via fake Flash Player updater/installer (installation steps):
Files related to StandardBoost adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.StandardBoost.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.StandardBoost.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.StandardBoost.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.StandardBoost.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like StandardBoost alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Therefore, you must restore them manually.
Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.
Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.
Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".
Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also set the settings of each protocol to default - "*.local, 169.254/16".
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 StandardBoost?
- STEP 1. Remove StandardBoost related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove StandardBoost ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove StandardBoost adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove StandardBoost ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove StandardBoost adware using Combo Cleaner:
StandardBoost adware removal:
Remove StandardBoost-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 ads endorse content that may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, adware is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive ad campaigns. This software enables the placement of advertisements on various interfaces, and some types can also cause redirects and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs from content promotion. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove StandardBoost adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type apps present. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, following the adware's (manual) removal – various file remnants stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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