How to remove TaskBoard adware and the adverts it delivers?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is TaskBoard?
TaskBoard is an adware-type app with browser hijacker abilities. Due to the questionable techniques used to spread TaskBoard, it is also classified as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application).
TaskBoard adware overview
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content on visited websites and/or other interfaces. This software can display various intrusive advertisements, e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, banners, full-page, etc. They endorse sale-oriented, untrustworthy, scam, and even malicious sites. Furthermore, some intrusive ads can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs) - when clicked.
Browser hijackers cause redirects to fake search engines when new browser tabs/windows are opened and search queries are typed into the URL bar. Hijacker software achieves this by assigning their search engine addresses as browsers' default, and their homepage and new tab/window URLs.
Most illegitimate search engines cannot generate search results, so they redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google, and other genuine ones. This software also uses persistence-ensuring tactics to prevent browser recovery. What is more, PUAs typically have data tracking abilities. The gathered information (e.g., browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, etc.) is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by TaskBoard |
| 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.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), 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
PlusMethod, ProductionElements, DeluxeSolutions, and UnitNetwork are some examples of adware. This software appears legitimate and offers "useful" functionalities, which are seldom operational. In fact, this is true of practically all PUAs. Unwanted apps are designed to generate revenue for the developers; hence, functionality and user safety are irrelevant.
How did TaskBoard install on my computer?
PUAs are proliferated using the "bundling" marketing method - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions. Rushed downloads/installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system. Additionally, once clicked on, intrusive adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent. Some PUAs also have "official" download webpages.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to research software and only download it from official and verified sources. Untrustworthy channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - commonly offer bundled/harmful content.
When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions. Intrusive ads look innocuous yet redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If advertisements/redirects of this type are encountered, the system must be inspected and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed. If your computer is already infected with TaskBoard, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once TaskBoard adware's installation is over:
TaskBoard 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 TaskBoard?
- STEP 1. Remove TaskBoard related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove TaskBoard ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove TaskBoard adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove TaskBoard ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove TaskBoard adware using Combo Cleaner:
TaskBoard adware removal:
Remove TaskBoard-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software typically has data tracking functionalities, which make it a threat to user privacy. Furthermore, adware-displayed ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause other serious issues.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., this software displays various ads on visited sites and/or different interfaces.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made from affiliate programs by promoting sites, apps, products, services, and so on. Adware developers may get commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove TaskBoard adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal might lack thoroughness. In some cases, even after the software itself is (manually) removed - various file leftovers remain hiding in the system. What is more, such remnants can continue running and causing problems.
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