Removal instructions for the AssistiveOrigin adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is AssistiveOrigin?
Our research team discovered the AssistiveOrigin application while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal site. After examining this app, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. AssistiveOrigin is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and potentially dangerous ads.
AssistiveOrigin adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by running intrusive advert campaigns. The software displays third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites or different interfaces.
The adverts primarily endorse various scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that while genuine products/services may be encountered via 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 acquire illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be required for advertising-supported software to deliver intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if AssistiveOrigin does not display advertisements – its presence endangers device and user safety.
AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities, but we did not observe these qualities while testing AssistiveOrigin.
Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to AssistiveOrigin. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like AssistiveOrigin on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AssistiveOrigin |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.4), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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 countless adware-type applications; AgentInitiator, Unbragging.app, and BounceTopics are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software typically looks legitimate and offers useful functions. However, these features rarely 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 a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did AssistiveOrigin install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to proliferate adware. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installations (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive adverts proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Most visitors to these webpages enter them via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AssistiveOrigin, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once AssistiveOrigin adware's installation is over:
AssistiveOrigin 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 AssistiveOrigin?
- STEP 1. Remove AssistiveOrigin related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AssistiveOrigin ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AssistiveOrigin adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AssistiveOrigin ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AssistiveOrigin adware using Combo Cleaner:
AssistiveOrigin adware removal:
Remove AssistiveOrigin-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 displays ads that may cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. It can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, advertising-supported software is considered a privacy threat since it usually possesses data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns. It operates by displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. Adware may also be capable of generating redirects and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit by endorsing websites, apps, browser extensions, products, services, and other content. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AssistiveOrigin adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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