TechBoost Mac virus (Free Instructions)

TechBoost Mac virus Removal Guide

What is TechBoost Mac virus?

TechBoost Mac virus can compromise your system and introduce new malware

TechBoost

TechBoost is a type of malware that primarily affects Mac devices, often going unnoticed at first. One of its most visible effects is the impact on web browsing – users may see a newly installed extension named TechBoost, which features a gray icon with a magnifying glass.

Additionally, search engine settings and homepage configurations might be altered, causing web searches to redirect to unknown providers. Since its main objective is to generate revenue through unauthorized advertising, users may experience an increase in pop-ups, banners, in-text links, and even deceptive notifications designed to mislead them.

This malware is part of the Adload family, a well-known group of threats capable of installing extra components without user consent. Many people unknowingly introduce TechBoost into their systems by downloading pirated software or being tricked by fraudulent update prompts. Once installed, it secures its presence by utilizing elevated permissions to drop malicious files across the system. Because of this, removing the malware is difficult – any attempt to delete it often results in its reappearance after a system reboot.

Beyond browser modifications and intrusive ads, TechBoost operates in the background, running multiple processes that may not be immediately noticeable. Some of these actions could lead to security risks, such as exposure to phishing scams and misleading alerts. Due to its ability to install additional payloads without user awareness, this malware is often linked to other infections that further compromise system integrity.

Name TechBoost
Type Mac virus, adware, browser hijacker
Malware family Adload
Distribution Third-party websites distributing pirated software, software bundles, fake Flash Player updates
Symptoms Installs a new application and browser extension on the system, modifies the homepage and new tab settings, injects advertisements and harmful links, and monitors sensitive user data through the extension
Removal You can use advanced security software to scan your system for infections, with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner being one of the recommended options. A manual PUA removal guide is also provided below
Security tips After removing potentially unwanted programs from your system, it's essential to clean your browsers. You can use FortectIntego to automate this process

Characteristics of the TechBoost virus

For years, many have believed that Macs are highly resistant to malware, but this assumption has been increasingly challenged. As Apple’s operating systems become more advanced, cybercriminals have adapted, developing more sophisticated threats specifically targeting Mac devices. While some types of malware, like rootkits or ransomware, may be less common, adware infections remain a persistent problem.

TechBoost belongs to the Adload malware family, which has been affecting Mac systems for an extended period. One of its most recognizable features is its browser extension, which comes with an icon depicting a magnifying glass on a background that can appear in shades of blue, teal, green, or gray. The presence of this extension or a similarly named application is a strong indicator that a Mac has been infected with this strain of malware.

Although various versions of Adload may differ in how they spread or operate, the malware's creators continuously refine their methods to avoid detection. A particularly concerning tactic involves the misuse of AppleScript, which is triggered when users unknowingly enter their Apple ID credentials during installation. By exploiting this, the malware can bypass key security measures such as Gatekeeper and XProtect, significantly weakening the Mac’s built-in defenses.

Once it gains administrative access, TechBoost embeds itself into widely used browsers like Safari, granting it extensive control. This allows it to track user activity, collect personal data, and manipulate browsing behavior. As a result, affected individuals face increased risks to their online privacy and security, making this infection a serious threat to Mac users.

TechBoost virus

Removal of all unwanted components

Unlike regular applications, TechBoost is designed to resist removal, making it difficult to uninstall through normal methods. By taking advantage of elevated system privileges, it plants multiple malicious files, modifies login items, and creates new user profiles. Because of this, removing the virus manually can be challenging. To ensure a complete and hassle-free elimination, we recommend using Malwarebytes or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner security software. Regardless of the removal method, clearing your browser caches afterward is essential to prevent further issues.

Once malware is active, it runs background processes to carry out its malicious functions. Before attempting to remove the main application, you should first terminate these processes using the Activity Monitor:

  • Open Applications folder.
  • Select Utilities.
  • Double-click Activity Monitor.
  • Here, look for suspicious processes and use the Force Quit command to shut them down.
  • Go back to the Applications folder.
  • Find the malicious entry and place it in Trash.Uninstall from Mac 1

Login items are responsible for booting the malicious app as soon as the computer starts up, while Profiles tackle different account settings. These malware-related components should be deleted as follows:

  • Go to Preferences and pick Accounts.
  • Click Login items and delete everything suspicious.
  • Next, pick System Preferences > Users & Groups.
  • Find Profiles and remove unwanted profiles from the list.

Finally, you should get rid of Launch Daemons and other configuration data left by malware. Proceed with the following:

  • 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 delete all the related .plist files.Uninstall from Mac 2

If you opt for manual removal, the extension may persist in your browser, continuing to collect data and carry out malicious activities. Therefore, begin by uninstalling it:

Safari

  • Click Safari > Preferences…
  • In the new window, pick Extensions.
  • Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.Remove extensions from Safari

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.Remove extensions from Chrome

The following step involves clearing the cache and cookies from Safari or any other affected browser, as these files are often used for tracking. If you prefer a quicker and more efficient method, using the FortectIntego maintenance tool can help remove outdated files and tracking data automatically, eliminating the need for manual cleanup.

Safari

  • Click Safari > Clear History…
  • From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
  • Confirm with Clear History.Clear cookies and website data from Safari

Google 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.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

If the TechBoost browser extension reappears after removal or you were unable to delete it initially, a full browser reset is the best course of action. This will restore default settings and eliminate any remaining traces of the malware.

Safari

  • Click Safari > Preferences…
  • Go to the Advanced tab.
  • Tick the Show Develop menu in the menu bar.
  • From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.Reset Safari

Google Chrome

  • 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.Reset Chrome 2

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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of TechBoost Mac virus. Follow these steps

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove. Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Options.
  3. Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data…
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear. Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information. Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox. Reset Firefox 2

How to prevent from getting adware

Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are

There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.

Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.

Data backups are important – recover your lost files

Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.

While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

About the author
Ugnius Kiguolis
Ugnius Kiguolis - The mastermind

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