How to uninstall AssistiveRecord adware

What is AssistiveRecord?

AssistiveRecord is a potentially unwanted application (PUA), which is classified as adware and a browser hijacker. I.e., it is designed to serve advertisements and promote Safe Finder (by opening it via akamaihd.net). PUAs like AssistiveRecord are often designed to collect data relating to users' browsing habits.

These apps are categorized as PUAs, since most users download and install them unintentionally.

AssistiveRecord adware overview

Examples of advertisements displayed by AssistiveRecord and similar apps include coupons, banners, pop-up ads, and surveys. In most cases, users who click them arrive at dubious websites. In some cases, they unintentionally allow these ads to execute certain scripts, which then cause download and/or installation of PUAs.

Furthermore, AssistiveRecord functions as a browser hijacker - it promotes a fake search engine by assigning its address as the homepage, default search engine and new tab. Like most browser hijackers, it forces users to visit this address when they open a browser, new tab or enter search queries into the URL bar.

Additionally, these apps often prevent users from changing the promoted address to their preferred URL, unless the PUA (in this case, AssistiveRecord) is removed. Furthermore, AssistiveRecord might gather browsing-related data (e.g., addresses of visited pages, entered search queries, IP addresses, geolocations) or even sensitive information.

Users who have apps such as AssistiveRecord installed on their computers and/or browsers might experience problems such as identity theft, issues relating to browsing safety, online privacy, etc. Therefore, remove all PUAs immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by AssistiveRecord
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), BitDefender (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.4), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), Full List (VirusTotal).
Additional Information	This application belongs to the Adload malware family.
Symptoms	Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage	Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Adware examples

More examples of adware-type applications are AssistiveUnit, PracticalDivision and OperativeDesktop. Typically, developers advertise these apps as tools that supposedly improve the browsing experience, include various features, etc. In most cases, adware-type apps and browser hijackers are useless, but they can cause serious problems.

Therefore, remove AssistiveRecord and other apps of this type from browsers and computers.

How did AssistiveRecord install on my computer?

Most users download and install PUAs through deceptive advertisements or together with other, mainly free, programs. I.e., when the apps are included into the download/installation set-ups as extra offers. This distribution method is called "bundling".

Generally, information about additionally-included apps can be found in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings of the set-ups. Users who fail to check and change the settings often download and install PUAs with their required software. Unwanted downloads and installations are also caused by clicking deceptive advertisements that run certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Files and applications should not be downloaded through dubious channels. For example, Peer-to-Peer networks (eMule, torrent clients), unofficial pages, third party downloaders, etc. Third party installers should also be avoided. These channels can distribute unwanted or even malicious software.

All files and programs should be downloaded only from official pages and via direct links. Check all "Custom" and "Advanced" settings and decline offers to download or install additionally-included unwanted apps. Do not click advertisements that appear on dubious, websites, since they can open untrusted pages and cause download/installation of PUAs.

Remove any suspicious extensions, plug-ins and add-ons installed on the browser, and software of this kind installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with AssistiveRecord, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once AssistiveRecord installation is complete:

AssistiveRecord redirecting users to Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net:

AssistiveRecord installation folder:

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is AssistiveRecord?
• STEP 1. Remove AssistiveRecord related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove AssistiveRecord ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove AssistiveRecord adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove AssistiveRecord ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove AssistiveRecord adware using Combo Cleaner:

AssistiveRecord adware removal:

Remove AssistiveRecord-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX", "NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Remove malicious Safari extensions:

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware-delivered advertisements promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces. Furthermore, some types can also generate redirects and collect sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and so forth.

Will Combo Cleaner remove AssistiveRecord adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type apps present. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, various file leftovers stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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