How to uninstall ValidNetBoost adware from your operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is ValidNetBoost?
ValidNetBoost is an adware-type app with browser hijacker traits (used to promote search.gg08m.com). Furthermore, since most users inadvertently download/install ValidNetBoost, it is also categorized as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). This piece of software has been noted being spread via fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers.
ValidNetBoost adware in detail
Adware can display pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other intrusive advertisements - on any visited website and/or different interfaces. In addition to being a nuisance, the ads also endanger device/user safety. Upon being clicked, intrusive adverts redirect to unreliable/malicious sites, and some can download/install software (e.g., PUAs) without user permission.
Browser hijackers reassign browsers' homepage, new tab/window, and search engine URLs - to fake web searcher addresses. In the case of ValidNetBoost, it assigns search.gg08m.com. Hence, new browsers tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar - redirect to this fraudulent search engine.
The promoted web searchers usually cannot provide search results, so they redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other legitimate ones. Search.gg08m.com redirects to Yahoo (search.yahoo.com), yet it may lead to others as well. Browser hijackers also use persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from restoring their browsers.
What is more, PUAs usually spy on users' browsing activity. Targeted data includes: browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, personally identifiable details, etc. The collected information is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ValidNetBoost |
| 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. |
Adware in general
ValidConfigType, ExecutiveProduct, LookupDisplay, AccessibleValue - are a few examples of apps within the adware classification.
PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) appear legitimate and offer various "handy" features, which are seldom operational. PUAs are designed to run intrusive ad campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects, and collect sensitive data.
How did ValidNetBoost install on my computer?
ValidNetBoost has been observed being distributed via fake Flash Player updater/installer. PUAs are spread by using the "bundling" tactic - packing regular programs with various additions. Rushed download/installation processes (e.g., skipped steps, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive adverts proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications stealthily. PUAs may also have "official" download webpages.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is important to research software and download it from official/verified sources. Dubious download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - offer bundled/harmful content.
When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from all supplements. Intrusive advertisements appear legitimate; however, they redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, the system must be inspected and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with ValidNetBoost, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Appearance of ValidNetBoost adware promoting the search.gg08m.com fake search engine that redirects to Yahoo (GIF):
Files related to the ValidNetBoost adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.ValidNetBoost/ValidNetBoost
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.ValidNetBoostDaemon/ValidNetBoost
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.ValidNetBoost.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.ValidNetBoostDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote the ValidNetBoost website are designed to create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:
1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar (Dock) and select "Profiles".
2) Locate all suspicious profiles and delete them.
3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.
After performing these actions, you can proceed with further removal steps for this browser hijacker.
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 ValidNetBoost?
- STEP 1. Remove ValidNetBoost related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ValidNetBoost ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ValidNetBoost adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ValidNetBoost ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ValidNetBoost adware using Combo Cleaner:
ValidNetBoost adware removal:
Remove ValidNetBoost-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 or advertising-supported software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, through the content endorsed by the adware-delivered ads - users can experience other serious problems.
What does adware do?
Adware operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software displays various ads on any visited website and/or different interfaces.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Exactly how adware generates revenue - varies. It may earn commission through clicks of the delivered advertisements, visits to the promoted sites, or purchases of the endorsed products/services.
What is the purpose of forcing users to visit the search.gg08m.com website?
ValidNetBoost developers generate revenue through visits to the search.gg08m.com website.
Is visiting search.gg08m.com a threat to my privacy?
To a certain extent, yes. Sites like search.gg08m.com typically collect information about their visitors.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
ValidNetBoost has been spread via fake Flash Player updaters/installers. In general, apps of this kind are distributed using various methods and social engineering. For example, they may be bundled together with other programs or pushed through dubious download channels (e.g., Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, unofficial, free file-hosting, and scam websites), browser notifications/ intrusive ads, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ValidNetBoost adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan your computer and eliminate installed adware and browser hijacker applications. However, manual removal may not be particularly effective since some components (leftover files) can remain even after the software's uninstallation. These remnants can hide deep within the system and continue running.
Furthermore, unwanted apps are often installed in bundles, so when one is removed - the others may reinstall it. Therefore, it is paramount to remove these applications immediately and all at once.
Outstanding!
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