What Is StandBoost Mac?
StandBoost is the name of a potentially unwanted application, that may appear on Mac devices. Its primary purpose is to enter your Mac and then begin to display multiple types of advertisements on it. The app itself is not classified as a virus and may not be directly dangerous for your Mac, but the main problem with it is it could lead you to risky websites because of those ads.
This is why, reccomendations are to read this article and learn how you can remove StandBoost completely from your Mac.
StandBoost Summary
| Name | StandBoost |
| Type | Browser Hijacker / PUP for Mac |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your web browser and Mac in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your Mac Has Been Affected by StandBoost
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss StandBoost. |
StandBoost Mac – More Information
StandBoost could eventually end up on your Mac by being bundled together with other software in the form of being advertised in one of its installers as a “free extra” or an “optional offer” that is to be added to the current installation. The outcome of this is that StandBoost could be hidden in the “Advanced” install mode and you could miss it by clicking on “Express” install mode.
Furthermore, be advised that the main business of apps, like StandBoost is to show ads. It is likely a part of a series of adware apps that we have seen to exhibit a recent rise in activity. Other programs that may be created by the same developrs include AnalyzerWindow, Cimply and FrequencySkill.
The main activity of this software once it gets in your Mac is to heavily modify your web browsers Safari, Chrome and Firefox. It may change how your searches appear, add extensions and tons of other modifications. The main idea is that you could be set to see the following ads:
- Pop-ups.
- Browser redirect ads.
- Ad-supported searches.
- Highlighted ads in text.
- Banner promotions.
- Push notification adverts.
These ads could be used in a way that they add objects on your Mac, like cookies, tags, geo-locators and other trackers. Such trackers can be utilized so that the following information can be extracted from your online browsing activity:
- The sites you have visited.
- Clicks you have made.
- Bookmarks you have set up.
- The browsing history.
Be advised that if you do not remove those trackers they may stay on your Mac even long after StandBoost is removed from it. But they are not the main risk that is involved with this software.
The primary problem of StandBoost is that it could lead you to different sites of unknown origin. Since apps, like StandBoost are only made for profit, you may experience redirects to risky websites, like:
- Phishing.
- Scams.
- Virus URLs or malware sites.
- Tech Support scam pages.
- Fake survey scams.
These sites are the main factor why StandBoost is considered and indirectly risky app and should be removed from your Mac.
Remove StandBoost from Your Mac
If you want to get rid of StandBoost completely from your Mac, we strongly suggest that you do the removal preferably by following the removal guide that has been posted underneath this article. It has been created with the main reason to help you delete StandBoost from macOS and your web browsers. For the best removal and if you want to get rid of all the trackers and optimize your Mac, experts strongly recommend that you scan your Mac with a professional anti-malware software. It will make sure that all of the virus files are removed from your Mac and it is safe in the future.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Steps to Prepare Before Removal:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove StandBoost files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as StandBoost, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Step 2: Uninstall StandBoost and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to StandBoost:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to StandBoost. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to StandBoost. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove StandBoost via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as StandBoost. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3: Remove StandBoost – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
StandBoost-FAQ
What is StandBoost on your Mac?
The StandBoost threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down significantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
Can Macs Get Viruses?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that almost all of the Apple devices can become infected with a threat.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the types of threats that can currently infect your Mac can be rogue antivirus programs, adware or hijackers (PUPs), Trojan horses, ransomware and crypto-miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like StandBoost?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.
There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to Secure My Data from StandBoost?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the StandBoost Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this StandBoost how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on StandBoost?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the StandBoost threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.