How to remove the AssistiveConnection adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is AssistiveConnection?
AssistiveConnection is an adware-type app that our research team found while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. This application is part of the AdLoad malware family. AssistiveConnection operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns.
AssistiveConnection adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of ads on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others. This third-party graphic content mainly endorses online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is pertinent to mention that while genuine products or services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Adware might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if the browser/system specs are incompatible, particular websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if AssistiveConnection displays ads – it remains a threat device/user safety.
AdLoad applications often have browser hijacker qualities, but the AssistiveConnection app did not exhibit these traits during testing.
This adware might also have data-tracking functionalities, as that is standard for software within this classification. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like AssistiveConnection on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AssistiveConnection |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), 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 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), 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 examples
We have investigated numerous adware-type applications; ZipDomainNameRate, SupportSkyReference, and HyperTextInternet are just a few of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software typically appears genuine and offers a broad range of "handy" features. These functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if an app or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did AssistiveConnection install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is often pushed through online scams. Most visitors to these deceptive sites access them via redirects generated by mistyped URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open browsers).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently permitting access for bundled content into systems is increased by downloading from dubious channels, e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party sources. Additionally, this is compounded by treating installations with negligence, e.g., by ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.
Adware is spread by intrusive advertisements as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts and perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – however, they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AssistiveConnection, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once AssistiveConnection adware's installation is over:
AssistiveConnection adware's 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 AssistiveConnection?
- STEP 1. Remove AssistiveConnection related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AssistiveConnection ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AssistiveConnection adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AssistiveConnection ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AssistiveConnection adware using Combo Cleaner:
AssistiveConnection adware removal:
Remove AssistiveConnection-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 that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, it can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is categorized as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. Furthermore, some types can also generate redirects and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AssistiveConnection adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be an ideal solution. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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