How to remove DataBoost (Mac)

What is DataBoost

DataBoost belongs to the list of unwanted software that shares both adware and hijacking traits. The app is likely to take over your browser settings and impose unwanted changes. New homepage, search engine, and dubious ads may start to appear against users’ will across many popular browsers including Google Chrome and Safari on Mac. There is almost no chance you can decline or revert such modifications until you have an unwanted program installed on the system. The app is programmed to analyze browsing intel and generate targeted ads for each person. A number of coupons, sales, and other intrusive content will overlay any page you visit whilst surfing the web, which can diminish your browsing experience. Additionally, such ads may be malicious and lead to dangerous pages. This is why letting DataBoost work on Mac may put your data at risk of surveillance and slow down performance on a sensible level. We and other experts recommend you delete DataBoost from the system. If you struggle to do it yourself, we will help you succeed in the instructions below.

How DataBoost infected your computer

Potentially Unwanted Programs are often distributed via forged Flash Player installers and bundled software. Most frauds pack unwanted programs into other software advertised on the web. They mark it as free and sometimes legitimate on third-party pages. Unfortunately, most software installers downloaded from torrent or file-sharing pages contain additional programs. They are oftentimes hidden inside of “Advanced” or “Custom” sections that pop at some stage of the setup. In case they are missed or ignored, the already selected app will be installed along the way without your consent. It is important to know that no unwanted infections can be avoided without your own participation. Whenever you download something pirated or free, always check it for extra offers that could be included. Another trick to keep an eye on is fake online alerts claiming your PC to be outdated or malware-infected. These messages are often designed to spread malware or unwanted programs covered into useful tools or updates meant to improve your PC. Do not trust them and use the “AdGuard” toolkit for blocking intrusive and dubious ads. More information on system protection along with removal can be found below.

Remove DataBoost manually for free

Note: DataBoost sets up to start on Mac OS startup. Therefore, before starting the removal, perform these steps:

1. Open System Preferences, choose Users & Groups.
2. Choose your account (set up as Current User).
3. Click Login Items tab.
4. Find “DataBoost” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: DataBoost won’t quit just by closing it, therefor use Force Quit to end the process.

1. Press 3 buttons at the same time: Option, Command, and Esc (Escape). This is similar to Control-Alt-Delete on a Windows PC.
2. Choose DataBoost in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

Here is a manual step-by-step tutorial for full DataBoost removal from your computer. This works 99% and was checked with the latest versions of DataBoost installer on operating systems with the latest updates and browser versions.

Remove DataBoost from Applications

Remove DataBoost from Mac:

1. In the Finder sidebar, click Applications.
2. DataBoost might have an Uninstaller. If you see Uninstall DataBoost or DataBoost Uninstaller, double-click it and follow the onscreen instructions.
3. Otherwise, drag DataBoost from the Applications folder to the Trash (located at the end of the Dock).
4. Then choose Finder > Empty Trash.

Cannot uninstall DataBoost

If you can’t uninstall DataBoost using instructions above, or it keeps coming back, you can use free AppCleaner for Mac to remove all residual data and libraries of DataBoost. Follow instructions below:

1. Download free AppCleaner.
2. Drag DataBoost from Applications folder to AppCleaner window.
3. Choose files and folders you want to remove along with DataBoost.
4. Click Delete button.

Remove DataBoost add-on from your browsers

Removing DataBoost from Applications often does not bring the desired effect. It is a browser extension and it may still be active in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Here are instructions on how to remove the DataBoost extension from your browsers manually.

Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Click Extensions tab.
3. Find DataBoost extension.
4. Click Uninstall button to remove it.

Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://extensions.
3. Find DataBoost extension.
4. Click the trash can icon to remove it.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:addons.
3. Choose DataBoost extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish DataBoost removal reset your browser settings to make sure, there are no leftover items in browser folders.

Reset Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Go to the Privacy section of Safari’s preferences.
3. Click Remove All Website Data button.
4. In opened window click Remove Now button to remove data stored by websites in Safari.
5. Go to the Advanced section of Safari’s preferences.
6. Click the Show Develop menu in menu bar option.
7. In the menu click Develop and select Empty Caches from this menu.
8. Again, go to Safari menu and choose Clear History….
9. Choose to clear all history and click Clear History button.

Reset Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://settings.
3. Scroll down and find Show advanced settings link.
4. Click on it and scroll down to the bottom again.
5. Click Reset settings button and click Reset to confirm.

Reset Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:support.
3. Click Refresh Firefox… button.
4. Click Refresh Firefox to confirm.

Remove following files and folders of DataBoost


~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.DataBoost.service.app
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.DataBoost.service.plist
/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.DataBoost.system
/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.DataBoost.system.plist


Download AdGuard for Mac to block malicious pop-ups, that promote DataBoost

AdGuard is the best ad-blocker, internet filtering, and internet security application for macOS. It can cut out unwanted banners from site pages, block pop-ups, stop redirects, and prevent users from visiting potentially dangerous resources. Use it to stop ads promoting DataBoost in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like DataBoost

Mac OSX is known to be one of the safest operating systems, and for a long time there was no need for antivirus products for Mac. But with the growing popularity of Mac computers and notebooks and evolving technology, viruses, trojans, adware, toolbars, hijackers, and other malware paved the way for Mac users. We recommend you to use one of the best anti-malware for Mac available – Malwarebytes for Mac.

Download Malwarebytes for Mac