SurfBoost

SurfBoost may try to create an image of a useful application that can benefit any Mac user, but the truth is a little bit different. The application's main goal is to generate monetary gains for its creators by delivering unwanted advertisements to the devices it is installed on. Mac users will find themselves distracted by intrusive advertisements and browser redirects. The browsing experience on the device as a whole may be diminished severely.

Furthermore, applications such as SurfBoost rarely rely on users to find and then install them willingly. Far more often, they are packaged alongside a more popular software product in a scheme known as 'bundling.' The additional application will be hidden under the 'Advanced' or 'Custom' installation settings as a preselected choice. Users may not even realize that another program was delivered to their Macs. Applications that distribute themselves through such deceptive tactics are classified as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs).

While PUPs are not considered serious threats, users should still be cautious. The advertisements delivered by the dubious applications could lead to unsafe destinations. It is not uncommon for users to land on pages conducting online tactics, fake giveaways, 'get-rich-quick' schemes, etc. They also could be taken to domains promoting more PUPs.

Another aspect that must be taken into consideration is the ability of most PUPs to spy on the user's browsing activities. These applications are interested in the entire browsing history, search history, and clicked URLs. Some dig even deeper and also access device details such as the IP address, geolocation, ISP, etc. However, the most threatening by far, are the PUPs capable of accessing information saved into the browser, as they could collect payment data or debit/credit card numbers.