BoostMapper Mac virus (Free Guide)
BoostMapper Mac virus Removal Guide
What is BoostMapper Mac virus?
BoostMapper can compromise your Mac's security and install additional unwanted apps
BoostMapper is a virus emerging from the Adware malware family, specifically targeting Mac users, presenting a significant security risk. Its primary functions include browser hijacking, redirecting users to malicious sites, and unauthorized collection of personal data. This personal information is prone to illicit use like being sold on hidden underground forums for unauthorized purposes.
Due to its sophisticated and multifaceted construction, the removal of BoostMapper proves to be a challenging task. It encompasses multiple components and employs advanced persistence techniques, making detection and elimination particularly difficult. Without complete and effective removal, the virus can reactivate, continuing its harmful activities and further jeopardizing the security of the infected Mac systems.
To secure your computer and protect your sensitive personal information from this virus, immediate and decisive action is necessary. Thorough removal of the BoostMapper virus is crucial, and to aid users in this endeavor, detailed instructions and relevant information for the removal process are provided herein.
Name | BoostMapper |
Type | Mac virus, adware, browser hijacker |
Malware family | Adload |
Distribution | Users typically get infected after being tricked by a fake Flash Player update, although repacked installers from torrent sites can also be the cause of infection |
Symptoms | Installs a new extension and application on the system; changes homepage and new tab of the browser; inserts ads and malicious links; tracks sensitive user data via extension |
Risks | Installation of other malware, personal data disclosure to cybercriminals, financial losses |
Removal | The easiest way to eliminate unwarned and malicious software on Macs is by performing a full system scan with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner security software. Alternatively, you can attempt to terminate the infection manually |
System optimization | After you terminate the infection with all its associated components, we recommend you also scan your device with FortectIntego to clean your browsers and other leftover files from the virus |
More about Adload
Many Mac users have long operated under the belief that their systems were inherently protected against malware, a perception that no longer aligns with the current cyber threat landscape. With the escalating popularity of Mac operating systems, cybercriminals have shifted focus, increasingly targeting these systems.
Though Macs are less vulnerable to severe malware categories, like ransomware and rootkits, they are not exempt from significant adware issues, with Mac-targeted adware noted for its heightened aggressiveness compared to those aimed at Windows systems.
BoostMapper is a prominent representative of this aggressive adware category, originating from the Adload malware family. Recognizable by its unique magnifying glass icon set against backgrounds of various colors – including blue, teal, green, or gray – the malware makes its presence known swiftly by altering browser settings in numerous ways, the specifics of which depend on the virus version in play.
Historically, variants like BoostMapper have been known to manipulate homepages directing to insecure sites, reroute user traffic, impose alternative search providers, and prominently display intrusive advertisements atop search results and other locations. While adware is conventionally deemed less hazardous compared to other malware types, it nonetheless poses a disruption risk to user systems, proving to be a nuisance that is not easily removable.
The rising trend of Mac usage is expected to continue attracting the attention of cybercriminals who deploy malware, including the likes of adware. Consequently, a vigilant stance and proactive protective measures are imperative for Mac users.
Such protective steps encompass the installation of credible antivirus software, steering clear of dubious downloads, and the consistent updating of operating systems and applications to incorporate the most recent security patches and updates. These efforts collectively offer a robust defense against threats like BoostMapper and other malicious software.
Spreading mechanisms and avoidance tips
BoostMapper virus, primarily targeting Mac systems, is known to propagate through various channels, including deceptive Flash Player updates and downloads from unofficial, non-credible sources.
One prevalent method of malware distribution involves counterfeit Flash Player updates. Cybercriminals ingeniously craft fraudulent websites that convincingly resemble authentic Adobe platforms. These sites entice users to initiate the download of purported Flash Player updates, but in reality, this action triggers the downloading and installation of the virus on their systems.
These deceptive websites are meticulously designed to replicate the appearance of legitimate Adobe websites, employing authentic-looking logos and images. Frequently, they deploy scare tactics, asserting that the user's computer is vulnerable to hacking or that certain content would remain inaccessible without the recommended update. Such manipulative strategies unfortunately succeed in tricking numerous users, leading to the inadvertent infection of their Mac systems with the BoostMapper virus.
Key characteristics of these deceptive websites include:
- Convincingly mimicking legitimate Adobe interfaces with similar logos and images.
- Employing scare tactics to prompt urgent user action, such as warning of hacking risks or inaccessible content without the update.
- Successfully deceiving and luring users into downloading and installing the virus.
An alternative propagation strategy employed by cybercriminals involves distributing software through unauthorized channels. Cybercriminals commonly distribute cracked versions of sought-after software, encompassing Adobe products, VPNs, and various security tools. Though these cracked software versions are promoted as free alternatives, they invariably come bundled with malicious entities.
Individuals who opt for these cracked versions often do so for reasons such as:
- Avoiding the purchase cost associated with the official versions of software.
- Unwillingness to engage with authorized purchase processes.
- Seeking purportedly “free” alternatives to popular software products.
However, this risky download practice exposes them to substantial security threats. Apart from BoostMapper, they might inadvertently install additional malicious software types, including trojans and spyware, further compromising their system's security integrity.
Malware removal explained
While BoostMapper and similar viruses within the Adload family are not exceptionally complex in their architecture, their hallmark is persistence. They repeatedly manage to evade the defenses erected by Apple, allowing successive versions to infiltrate and compromise Mac security protocols undetected. The enduring nature of these viruses implies that without employing specialized removal techniques, they may continue to reside and function covertly within your system for a prolonged duration.
Utilizing third-party security applications, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes, can significantly streamline and facilitate the eradication process. Once BoostMapper establishes infection, it proliferates numerous files throughout the system, complicating the manual removal process and demanding a degree of technical proficiency. Due to the virus's tenacious characteristics, overlooking even a single file during the removal phase could enable its regeneration and the resumption of its malevolent activities.
For those contemplating manual removal of the malware:
- Exercise caution while managing browsers, as meticulous elimination of cookies and residual files from caches is imperative for ensuring privacy.
- Understand that these residual files might serve as conduits for the virus to reassert control.
- Detailed manual removal steps can be found in the ensuing section of the article.
Following successful virus removal, initiating system optimization procedures is crucial to restoring and maintaining optimal computer performance. Tools like FortectIntego are invaluable in this context. Although it isn’t designed for malware removal, it plays a pivotal role in facilitating system recovery in the aftermath of an infection. It excels in system optimization, purging unnecessary files, and mending files that sustained damage during the malware’s active phase.
Implementing the software helps expedite your Mac’s return to peak operational capacity while mitigating the potential lingering effects of the malware. Employing a synergistic approach that leverages both reliable antivirus solutions and robust system optimization tools is indispensable for comprehensively reinstating your Mac's health following a virus infection.
Getting rid of BoostMapper Mac virus. Follow these steps
Delete from macOS
Remove items from Applications folder:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
Delete from Safari
Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
Remove from Google Chrome
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data…
- Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
How to prevent from getting adware
Protect your privacy – employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.