How to remove the SectionAssist adware from your operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is SectionAssist?
SectionAssist is a rogue application categorized as adware, and it also has browser hijacker qualities. It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns and promotes fake search engines through modifications to browser settings.
Additionally, adware and browser hijackers typically have data tracking abilities. Since most users download/install SectionAssist inadvertently, it is classified as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). It has been observed being proliferated via fake Adobe Flash Player updates.
SectionAssist adware in detail
Adware can deliver pop-ups, surveys, coupons, banners, and other intrusive advertisements. This third-graphical content can be displayed on any visited website and/or different interfaces. The ads seriously diminish the browsing experience by overlaying webpage content and slowing down the browsing speed.
Intrusive advertisements are misleading, untrustworthy, and may even be malicious. They endorse various sale-oriented, unreliable, rogue, deceptive/scam, and even dangerous sites. What is more, some of these adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs).
Browser hijackers assign fake web searcher addresses as browsers' default search engine, new tab/window, and homepage URLs. Therefore, new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted search engine's address.
Fraudulent web searchers are seldom able to generate search results, so they tend to redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other legitimate search engines. Recovering a browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it, since browser hijackers can undo user-made changes and/or deny access to the browser settings outright.
Most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data. They record browsing activity (URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect vulnerable data extracted from it (IP addresses/ geolocations, personally identifiable details, etc.). The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, financial losses, severe privacy issues, and even identity theft. To ensure device and user safety, it is crucial to eliminate all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by SectionAssist |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names (.system) | ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adloa), Ikarus (Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Adload), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), Sophos (OSX/Dwnldr-AASO), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (.service) | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), Sophos (OSX/Dwnldr-AASO), 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
AccessibleEngineSearch, SwitcherGuard, MultiplySearch, AccessDefault, and FlexibleSearch are some examples of adware. This software typically appears legitimate and harmless, and offers a wide variety of "handy" functionalities. However, the promised features are seldom operational.
In fact, most PUAs lure users into download/installation with fake functions. The sole purpose of unwanted apps is to generate profit for the developers; hence, functionality and user safety are irrelevant. PUAs are designed to run intrusive advert campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers, and gather private and sensitive information.
How did SectionAssist install on my computer?
PUAs can be downloaded/installed together with other software. This false marketing method of packing regular products with unwanted or malicious additions - is named "bundling". Rushed downloads/installations (e.g., skipped steps, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive ads are also used to proliferate PUAs. Once clicked on, the advertisements can execute scripts to download/install these applications without user consent. Some PUAs may have "official" promotional sites from which they can be downloaded and/or purchased.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to research software prior to download/installation. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, 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 possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from additional apps, tools, features, etc. Intrusive adverts appear legitimate; however, they redirect to highly dubious websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so forth).
In case of encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, the system must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins - removed without delay. If your computer is already infected with SectionAssist, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed when SectionAssist adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"SectionAssistd" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Delusive installer (fake Flash Player updater) promoting SectionAssist adware;
First installation step:
Second installation step:
Files related to the SectionAssist adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.SectionAssist.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.SectionAssist.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.SectionAssist.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.SectionAssist.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like SectionAssist 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 SectionAssist?
- STEP 1. Remove SectionAssist related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SectionAssist ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SectionAssist adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SectionAssist ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SectionAssist adware using Combo Cleaner:
SectionAssist adware removal:
Remove SectionAssist-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.
Outstanding!
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