Removal instructions for the BootEfficient adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is BootEfficient?
Our research team found the BootEfficient app while reviewing submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After examining BootEfficient, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). This application is part of the AdLoad malware family. It runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and may have other harmful abilities.
BootEfficient adware overview
Adware is designed to display advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
This third-party graphical content primarily promotes online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some of the ads can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system, particular sites not visited, etc.). Even if BootEfficient does not display advertisements – its presence on a system remains a threat.
While AdLoad applications often have browser hijacker qualities, we did not observe these functionalities while testing BootEfficient.
Additionally, this adware-type app might have data-tracking abilities, as they are standard for software within this classification.
Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. This vulnerable data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like BootEfficient on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by BootEfficient |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.32), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), 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 investigated numerous adware samples; PersonalProsper, VideoDefault, and NavigateEngine are merely a couple of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and useful. It entices users into download/installation by promising a wide variety of "handy" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.
It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did BootEfficient install on my computer?
Adware can be promoted on legitimate-looking and scam webpages. The majority of visitors to these pages access them via redirects generated by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware is proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, and so forth.
Since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless – we strongly advise exercising caution while browsing. For example, intrusive ads may look ordinary/innocuous – yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with BootEfficient, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once BootEfficient adware's installation is over:
BootEfficient 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 BootEfficient?
- STEP 1. Remove BootEfficient related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove BootEfficient ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove BootEfficient adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove BootEfficient ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove BootEfficient adware using Combo Cleaner:
BootEfficient adware removal:
Remove BootEfficient-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 advertisements may endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, adware is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by promoting various sites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove BootEfficient adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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