How to remove the AssistiveTool adware-type application from your Mac

What kind of application is AssistiveTool?

AssistiveTool is a rogue app discovered by our research team during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Upon examination, we determined that AssistiveTool is advertising-supported software (adware). This application is part of the AdLoad malware family.

AssistiveTool adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically operates by displaying ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, coupons, etc.) on visited websites or different interfaces.

Note that certain conditions may be required for adware to work as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether AssistiveTool delivers adverts – this application remains a threat to device integrity and user privacy.

Adware-displayed advertisements predominantly endorse scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some of these ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to carry out stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is performed by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

While AdLoad adware commonly has browser-hijacking abilities – the AssistiveTool application did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to AssistiveTool. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, browser cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, software like AssistiveTool may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by AssistiveTool
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.2), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), 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. ▼ 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

We have examined thousands of adware-type apps; SkilledAccess, TechLookupTool, NetField – are merely a couple of examples. Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and innocuous. It may also offer a wide variety of useful functionalities, which are rarely operational.

Remember that even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.

How did AssistiveTool install on my computer?

Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Most visitors access them via redirects caused by intrusive ads, sites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installations (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – pose a risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content to infiltrate the device.

Intrusive adverts proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Another recommendation is to treat installation processes with caution by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, and so forth.

We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).

If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AssistiveTool, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once AssistiveTool adware's installation is over:

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

Video showing how to remove AssistiveTool adware using Combo Cleaner:

AssistiveTool adware removal:

Remove AssistiveTool-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 delivers ads that promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). It can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. What is more, advertising-supported software usually possesses data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering vulnerable information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar. The majority of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove AssistiveTool adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. These components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.

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