How to remove DataBoost adware from the operating system?

What is DataBoost?

DataBoost is a piece of rogue software, which is classified as adware. It also has browser hijacker traits. This app operates by running intrusive advert campaigns and modifying browsers - to promote fake search engines. DataBoost likely has data tracking abilities as well.

Since most users unintentionally download/install adware and browser hijackers, they are categorized as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). One popular distribution technique is proliferation via fraudulent Adobe Flash Player updates.

DataBoost adware in detail

Adware can delivers banners, coupons, surveys, pop-ups, full-page, and other intrusive advertisements. This graphical content can be displayed on any visited website and/or different interfaces. The ads severely diminish the browsing experience as they overlay webpages and slow down the browsing speed.

Intrusive adverts promote a wide variety of sale-oriented, misleading, untrustworthy, deceptive/scam, compromised, and even malicious sites. What is more, some of these ads can infiltrate software (e.g., PUAs) into devices - when they are clicked on.

Browser hijackers assign fake web searcher addresses as browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs. Therefore, new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address.

Fake search engines are typically unable to generate search results, so they redirect (or cause redirection chains ending with) Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other genuine ones. Browser hijackers can undo any changes users try to make to their browsers and/or restrict/deny access to the browser settings outright. Hence, restoring a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it.

Furthermore, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers) can track data. They record browsing activity (visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, etc.) and gather sensitive information extracted from it (IP addresses/ geolocations, personally identifiable details, etc.). The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties, likewise intent on misusing it for financial gain.

In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. To protect device integrity and user privacy, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	DataBoost pop-up
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
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. ▼ 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.

Adware in general

TypeCharacter, InetImprovment, and AccessibleEngineSearch are a few examples of apps within the adware classification. They appear ordinary and innocuous. This software also offers various "handy" functionalities. However, the functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

The features promised by PUAs are usually nonoperational. The sole purpose of unwanted applications is to generate revenue for the developers. PUAs are designed to run intrusive ad campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects, and gather private and vulnerable information.

How did DataBoost install on my computer?

PUAs can be downloaded/installed together with other programs. This deceptive marketing method of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is called "bundling". Rushed downloads/installations (e.g., skipped steps, used pre-set options, etc.) increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.

Intrusive advertisements are also used to proliferate PUAs. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without user consent. Some PUAs may have "official" promotional sites from which they can be downloaded and/or purchased.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is advised to research software prior to download/installation. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Dubious download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (Torrent clients, eMule, etc.), and other third-party downloaders - often offer bundled content.

When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out from additional apps, tools, features, and so forth. Intrusive adverts appear legitimate; however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, the system must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with DataBoost, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once DataBoost adware's installation is over:

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 DataBoost?
• STEP 1. Remove DataBoost related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove DataBoost ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove DataBoost adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove DataBoost ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove DataBoost adware using Combo Cleaner:

DataBoost adware removal:

Remove DataBoost-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.

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