How to remove AccessibleTask adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is AccessibleTask?
AccessibleTask is a piece of rogue software. It is classified as adware, and it has browser hijacker qualities.
Following successful installation, this app delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns and promotes fake search engines through modifications to browser settings. Additionally, AccessibleTask likely has data tracking abilities, as they are common for adware and browser hijackers.
Due to the questionable methods used to distribute AccessibleTask, it is also classified as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). One of the techniques observed in use for this app is proliferation via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. It is noteworthy that illegitimate updaters/installers are used to spread not only PUAs but malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.) as well.
AccessibleTask adware in detail
Adware enables the placement of pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons, and other intrusive adverts - on any visited website and/or different interfaced. The delivered ads severely diminish the browsing experience by limiting the browsing speed and overlaying webpage content.
Furthermore, intrusive advertisements pose a threat to device/user safety. Once clicked on, these adverts redirect to various untrustworthy/malicious websites, and some can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs).
Browser hijackers assign fake web searcher addresses as browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs. Hence, every single search query typed into the URL bar and new tab/window opened - redirect to the promoted address.
Fake search engines are seldom able to generate results, so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other legitimate ones.
Browser hijackers can also reset any changes users try to make to their browsers. Alternatively, this software can restrict or deny access to the browser settings. Therefore, recovering a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it.
Most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) have data tracking abilities. Information of interest includes: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses/ geolocations, personally identifiable details, and so on. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. It is strongly advised to remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins without delay.
| Name | Ads by AccessibleTask |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names (.system) | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), Cyren (MacOS/Adload.A.gen!Camelot), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (.service) | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), Cyren (MacOS/Adload.A.gen!Camelot), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to 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. |
Adware in general
DesignDefault, TypeInitiator, StartEssentials, and CharacterSearch are some examples of adware-type apps. They appear ordinary and innocuous.
Adware entices users into download/installation with offers of various "useful" functionalities. However, the advertised features are rarely operational. In fact, practically all PUAs offer a broad range of functions, which do not work.
The sole goal of unwanted software is to generate profit for the developers. Therefore, instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can run intrusive advertisement campaigns, hijack browsers, force-open untrustworthy and malicious sites, and gather private data.
How did AccessibleTask install on my computer?
PUAs can be downloaded/installed together with other programs. This deceptive marketing technique of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is termed "bundling".
Rushed download/installation processes (e.g., skipped steps and sections, etc.) increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements spread PUAs as well. Upon being clicked, the adverts can execute scripts to download/install these applications without user consent. PUAs may also have "official" promotional sites from which they can be downloaded.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to research software products before download/installation and/or purchase. Furthermore, only official and trustworthy download channels. Dubious download sources, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - commonly offer harmful and bundled content.
When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, explore all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from additional apps, tools, features, and so forth.
Intrusive advertisements appear legitimate and ordinary; however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, the system must be checked and all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with AccessibleTask, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed when AccessibleTask adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"AccessibleTaskd" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Delusive installer (fake Flash updater) promoting AccessibleTask adware;
First installation step:
Second installation step:
Files related to the AccessibleTask adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.AccessibleTask.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.AccessibleTask.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.AccessibleTask.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.AccessibleTask.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like AccessibleTask alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you'll have to restore them manually.
Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.
Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.
Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".
Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also set the settings of each protocol to default - "*.local, 169.254/16".
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 AccessibleTask?
- STEP 1. Remove AccessibleTask related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AccessibleTask ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AccessibleTask adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AccessibleTask ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AccessibleTask adware using Combo Cleaner:
AccessibleTask adware removal:
Remove AccessibleTask-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?
The ads delivered by advertising-supported software can endorse content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Adware can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is classed as a privacy threat since this software usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software enables the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and collect vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs for content promotion. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AccessibleTask adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. Note that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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