How to remove ValidBoost (Mac)

What is ValidBoost

ValidBoost is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) that targets Mac computers, functioning as both adware and a browser hijacker. Its primary purpose is to serve advertisements and promote the address of a fake search engine by altering browser settings. ValidBoost is considered a Mac virus due to its intrusive behavior, which can degrade computer performance and pose privacy risks. Once installed, ValidBoost can significantly disrupt the user experience on a Mac by: displaying excessive pop-up ads, banners, and coupons that may lead to questionable websites; hijacking the main web browser to change the homepage and default search engine settings; potentially stealing personal information and bringing other threats to the system; causing persistent browser redirects and unwanted downloads or installations by clicking on ads. It is important to note that all associated files of ValidBoost must be removed to prevent it from returning to the Mac. Users are advised to be vigilant and take immediate action to eliminate ValidBoost to stop all the disruptive ads, pop-ups, and redirections it causes.

How ValidBoost infects Mac computers

ValidBoost typically infiltrates Mac systems through deceptive means, such as fake Adobe Flash Player installers. These installers are often found on dubious websites and can be used to distribute not only adware but also more dangerous forms of malware like ransomware and Trojans. Additionally, ValidBoost can be distributed through spam emails, bundled freeware, or by visiting compromised websites such as porn or torrent sites.

1. Download ValidBoost Removal Tool
2. Remove ValidBoost from Login Items
3. Remove/Uninstall ValidBoost from Applications
4. Remove ValidBoost from browsers
5. Reset browser settings
6. Remove ValidBoost files and folders
7. Block ValidBoost ads and pop-ups
8. How to protect from threats, like ValidBoost

Remove ValidBoost manually for free

Note: ValidBoost sets up to start on macOS 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 “ValidBoost” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: ValidBoost 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 ValidBoost in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

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

Remove ValidBoost from Applications

Remove ValidBoost from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall ValidBoost

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

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

Remove ValidBoost add-on from your browsers

Removing ValidBoost 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 ValidBoost 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 ValidBoost 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 ValidBoost 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 ValidBoost extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish ValidBoost 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 the 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 ValidBoost


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


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

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 ValidBoost in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ValidBoost

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