How to remove the DefaultBoost adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is DefaultBoost?
Our research team discovered the DefaultBoost rogue application during a routine inspection of new file submissions to VirusTotal. After examining this app, we determined that DefaultBoost is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. It is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users unwanted and potentially malicious ads.
DefaultBoost adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of ads (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
These advertisements predominantly endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some of the adverts can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any genuine products or services encountered via these ads – are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in a scheme to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Adware might need certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc.). Even if DefaultBoost does not display ads – it remains a threat to device and user safety.
Additionally, while AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities, DefaultBoost did not exhibit them during our analysis.
What is more, DefaultBoost likely has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, advertising-supported software like DefaultBoost may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DefaultBoost |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed numerous adware-type applications; DesktopMapper, ConnectionProjector, and AdvancedUpdater are but a few examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears harmless and offers a wide variety of handy functionalities. However, these features tend to be fake and are used to entice users into downloading/installing the software. It must be stressed that operational functionalities are not a defining indicator of a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did DefaultBoost install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing method – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) increases the risk of allowing bundled content into the system. This is also true of rushing through installation processes, such as ignoring terms and skipping steps; using "Easy/Express" settings is likewise a risk since the presence of supplements is often hidden within the "Custom/Advanced" options.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users primarily enter these pages via redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements spread this software as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading times, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
We also advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications on browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DefaultBoost, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DefaultBoost adware's installation is over:
DefaultBoost 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 DefaultBoost?
- STEP 1. Remove DefaultBoost related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DefaultBoost ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DefaultBoost adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DefaultBoost ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DefaultBoost adware using Combo Cleaner:
DefaultBoost adware removal:
Remove DefaultBoost-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 delivers advertisements that endorse deceptive/dangerous content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). It can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionality – therefore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive ad campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs by promoting various sites, software, products, services, and so on. Adware developers might earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DefaultBoost adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all the adware-type apps present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, various file leftovers remain hidden within the system following the adware's manual removal. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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