How to remove FormatBoost adware from Mac?
What is FormatBoost?
FormatBoost is a piece of untrustworthy software that operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns and promoting fake search engines by making changes to browser settings. Due to this, FormatBoost is classified as adware and is deemed to have browser hijacker qualities. Since most users download/install this app inadvertently, it is also categorized as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). These apps typically collect browsing-related information as well. FormatBoost has been observed being distributed via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. It is noteworthy that illegitimate software updaters/installers are sometimes used to proliferate trojans, ransomware, and other malware.
![Mac Mac](https://malwaretips.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/update3-flash-palys-us-popup.jpg)
Adware delivers pop-ups, surveys, banners, coupons, and other intrusive ads. The delivered adverts diminish the browsing experience by overlaying webpage content and limiting the browsing speed. However, these advertisements are more than just a nuisance. Once clicked on, intrusive ads redirect to various unreliable/malicious websites and some can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs). Hence, adware poses a threat to device and user safety.
Browser hijackers assign fake web searcher addresses as browsers' default search engine, homepage, and new tab/window URLs. Therefore, with such a piece of software installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and web searches done via the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address. Fake search engines are seldom able to generate search results, so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Yahoo, Bing, Google, and other legitimate ones. Additionally, browser hijackers can undo any changes users attempt to make to their browsers and/or restrict/deny access to the browser's setting outright. This makes recovering a hijacked browser impossible - without removing the software affecting it.
Oct 07, 2020 How to Remove Adware. If you have a Windows virus, continue with the guide below. If you have a Mac virus, please use our How to remove Ads on Mac guide. If you have an Android virus, please use our Android Malware Removal guide. If you have an iPhone virus, please use our iPhone Virus Removal guide.
- If you see pop-ups on your Mac that just won’t go away, you might have inadvertently downloaded and installed adware (advertising-supported software) or other unwanted software. Certain third-party download sites might include programs that you don’t want with the software that you install.
- Dec 10, 2020 How to remove Pirrit from Mac? Pirrit is the name of an adware family comprising a number of adware-type apps. Typically, apps of this type display intrusive, annoying (and often deceptive) advertisements. In some cases, adware can also be used to gather data.
Furthermore, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) have data tracking abilities. They record browsing activity (visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, etc.) and gather sensitive information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations, and even personally identifiable details). The collected data is then monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, presence of unwanted software on devices - can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft. To ensure device integrity and user privacy, all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated without delay.
Name | Ads by FormatBoost |
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 three days free trial available. |
OperativeUnit, TechnologyMain, SkilledPanelSearch, and ManagerAnalog are some examples of adware. It appears ordinary and innocuous, and offers a broad range of 'useful' functionalities. However, the promised functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational. This is true of nearly all PUAs. The sole purpose of unwanted apps is to generate profit for the developers. Therefore, instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can run intrusive advert campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers, and collect private data.
How did FormatBoost install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed through download/installation setups of other products. This false marketing method of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is called 'bundling'. Rushed download/installation processes (e.g., skipped steps, used pre-set options, etc.) increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device, thereby endangering the system with potential infections. Intrusive advertisements also proliferate PUAs. Upon being clicked, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without user permission. Select PUAs have 'official' download webpages as well.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is important to research products before download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, only official and verified download channels must be used. Since untrustworthy sources, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks (Torrent clients, eMule, Gnutella, etc.), and other third-party downloaders - often offer bundled content. Download and installation processes must be approached with care. Therefore, it is recommended to read terms, study all possible options, use the 'Custom/Advanced' settings, and opt-out from supplementary apps, tools, features, and other additions. Intrusive adverts appear legitimate and harmless; however, they redirect to various questionable sites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.). In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this type, 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 FormatBoost, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Text presented in the pop-up displayed when FormatBoost adware is present:
'FormatBoostd' will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Delusive installer (fake Flash Player updater) promoting FormatBoost adware;
First installation step:
Second installation step:
Files related to the FormatBoost adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.FormatBoost.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.FormatBoost.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.FormatBoost.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.FormatBoost.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like FormatBoost alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you'll have to restore them manually.
Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.
Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.
Step 3: Select the connected network and click 'Advanced...'.
Step 4: Click on the 'Proxies' tab and untick all the protocols. You should also set the settings of each protocol to default - '*.local, 169.254/16'.
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer 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 MacBy 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 three days free trial available.
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for MacBy 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 three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- STEP 1. Remove FormatBoost related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove FormatBoost ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove FormatBoost adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove FormatBoost ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove FormatBoost adware using Combo Cleaner:
FormatBoost adware removal:
Remove FormatBoost-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.
Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Remove ads by formatboost 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 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 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 in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure 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 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 it's virus definition database and click '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.
Ads by FormatBoost removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by formatboost related Safari extensions:
Open 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 normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove ads by formatboost related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the 'Open Menu' (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose 'Add-ons'.
Remove Adware From My Mac
Choose the 'Extensions' tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Remove' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove ads by formatboost related Google Chrome add-ons:
How To Remove Adware From My Mac
Open Google Chrome and click the 'Chrome menu' (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose 'More Tools' and select 'Extensions'.
In the 'Extensions' window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Trash' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.