How to remove ValidNetBoost (Mac)

What is ValidNetBoost

ValidNetBoost is a type of malicious software, specifically adware, that targets Mac computers. It is not classified as a virus but can be just as risky for your computer. The primary purpose of ValidNetBoost is to generate profit for its developers through pay-per-click and other schemes. It achieves this by displaying various types of advertisements on the user’s computer, some of which could lead to dangerous websites, such as those hosting viruses or scams. ValidNetBoost operates by hijacking the browser settings and displaying unwanted advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. It uses a browser extension or program to inject these advertisements into websites that you visit. When installed on a computer, the ValidNetBoost browser hijacker will redirect your browser search queries through search.initialunit.com, which will redirect to search result pages from search.yahoo.com. This is most likely done to generate advertising revenue by using Yahoo Search for its search result.

How ValidNetBoost infects Mac computers

ValidNetBoost can infiltrate your Mac in several ways. It often finds its way into your system by bundling itself with legitimate Mac software, usually being installed at the same time. It can also be installed onto your Mac via infected webpages, when users open email attachments, or when users download and install free applications. Another common method of distribution is through fake Flash Player updaters/installers. Apps of this kind are often bundled together with other programs or pushed through dubious download channels (e.g., Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, unofficial, free file-hosting, and scam websites), browser notifications/ intrusive ads, and so forth.

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

Remove ValidNetBoost manually for free

Note: ValidNetBoost 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 “ValidNetBoost” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

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

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

Remove ValidNetBoost from Applications

Remove ValidNetBoost from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall ValidNetBoost

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

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

Remove ValidNetBoost add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish ValidNetBoost 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 ValidNetBoost


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


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

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 ValidNetBoost in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ValidNetBoost

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