Boost virus (Boost by Reason)
The Boost virus (also found as Boost by Reason virus, Reason Software Company Inc; though not technically a computer virus) is potential malware categorized as scareware that is promoted as a Microsoft Windows cleaner and optimizer; however, Boost is essentially a non-beneficial Windows Optimizer that utilizes very unethical marketing practices in order to generate customers.
Boost by Reason promotes a free trial is a that displays misleading information, scan results, and unwanted alert messages. In turn the results and messages prompted by Boost malware are used by the program to scare users into purchasing the full version by activating Boost.
A pop-up from the free Boost trial may appear that says “Boost needs to be activated – Thank you for running Boost! Boost is helping to make your PC faster, cleaning, and safer/ To continue using Boost please consider activating today. Remember, we offer a no -questions asked 30-day risk free refund guaranteed. – Would you like to look into activating boost? Maybe Later – Activate” in order to get victims to order the non-beneficial Boost software.
Boost may even claim users can extend their trial by providing their email address, a friends email address and more. Boost also collects and distributes user information manually submitted online while the program is installed. Boost may collect complete computing and browser activity. The information collected is then submitted to marketing and mailing lists. Victims have reported excessive email spam from Boost and third-parties, as well as junk mail and telephone calls from telemarketers at home.
Boost by Reason Software Company Inc. is very misleading and will always claim that the computer is “bad” and will say that “You need a Boost! Your PC feels terrible.” This is used to trick users into purchasing the software or into calling the affiliated support line at 1-855-332-0123.
In reality, Boost claimed that a test PC was 100% great stating that “Boost is active and your PC feels great” while also detailing that the computer had a large amount of programs running. After a restart, Boost then claimed that the computer was 14% bad while still having the same results. Furthermore, Boost then would not “boost” or optimize the PC anymore unless the item was activated for roughly $25. This unethical and corrupt marketing practice is why many refer to the program as the Boost virus or consider the program malware.
In the short time that Boost software has been active the company has accumulated many complaints filed with the BBB stating advertising/sales issues, delivery issues, guarantee/warranty issues, and problems with product/service.
Boost by Reason and the company refereed to as Boost Software Inc or Reason Software Company Inc. has also been caught fabricating positive reviews on many websites.
Boost malware often bundles with third-party adware, spyware, and browser hijackers used to display pop-up ads, banner ads, coupon drop-down ads, and cause browser redirections and start-ups.
How does Boost by Reason get onto a computer?
Boost malware can be manually and voluntarily downloaded from a variety of locations such as boostbyreason.com, download.com, and others; however, most users claim that Boost installed without consent and began to display unwanted pop-ups including one that says “Welcome to Boost! Thank you for installing Boost. Care to join us for a short walk through?.”
Boost also bundles with third-party freeware and shareware.
In some instances Boost scareware may be contracted via advertisements, email spam, and compromised social media content.
How to remove the Boost virus
- Automatically remove Boost by Reason – Scan for and automatically remove Boost by Reason malware
- Manually remove Boost by Reason – Remove/Uninstall Boost by Reason and third-party malware if allowed
1. Automatic Boost by Reason removal
Use the instructions below to automatically remove Boost scareware and third-party malware.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
1. Install the free or paid version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
2. Once Malwarebytes is installed, run the program. If you are using the free version of Malwarebytes you will be prompted to update the database, make sure to do so.
3. On the first tab labeled “Scanner” select the Perform full scan option and click the Scan button to perform a full system scan. Malwarebytes will automatically detect malware infecting the computer system.
4. Once the malware scan is complete, Malwarebytes may prompt a notice stating malicious objects were detected. Select the malicious objects and click the Remove Selected button to completely remove the malicious files from your computer (the image below shows a file that is NOT selected) or click the Delete button to remove quarantined files.
CCleaner
CCleaner can be used to automatically repair internet browser settings startup up settings, and uninstall stubborn and possibly rogue Boost software.
1. Install the free or paid version of CCleaner by Piriform.
2. Once installed, open the program and navigate to Cleaner > Windows/Applications and click the Analyze button. Afterwards, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.
3. Next, navigate to Tools > Startup and search through each tab starting from windows, internet explorer, etc., all the way to Content Menu, for additional suspicious entries and click Disable and Delete once anything is found. Something to look for might include the title “Boost by Reason or Reason Software Company Inc.”
4. To automatically uninstall Boost by Reason and unwanted programs, navigate to the Uninstall tab and located software in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the programs as selected.
2. Manual Boost by Reason removal
Use the instructions below to manually uninstall “rogue” Boost by Reason software using generic removal procedures (if allowed), as well as third-party malware that may have installed alongside rogue Windows optimization software.
How to uninstall Boost by Reason
1. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel.
2. Click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program.
3. In the list of installed programs, search for Boost by Reason and other potentially unwanted software. Once located, double click the unwanted programs or highlight them in the list and click the Uninstall button.
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