How to remove AssistiveArchive adware from your operating system

What kind of application is AssistiveArchive?

AssistiveArchive is a rogue application classed as adware. We discovered this piece of software while investigating file submissions to the VirusTotal website. AssistiveArchive is part of the AdLoad malware family. It operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns.

AssistiveArchive adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. As the name implies, it generates revenue for its developers through advertising. Typically, adware displays third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

Software within this classification might require certain conditions to deliver intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if AssistiveArchive does not display adverts – it endangers device and user safety.

The ads displayed by adware commonly endorse various scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.

It is noteworthy that while genuine content may be encountered via these adverts – it is unlikely to be promoted in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

AdLoad apps often possess browser-hijacking functionalities – however, the AssistiveArchive adware did not exhibit these qualities during testing.

Additionally, this rogue application might have data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, log-in credentials, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, the presence of software like AssistiveArchive on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by AssistiveArchive
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), 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 samples; AssistiveOrigin, AgentInitiator, and FormatProduct are just a couple of our newest finds. Software within this classification typically appears legitimate and promises "useful" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.

Note that even if an app or a browser extension works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.

How did AssistiveArchive install on my computer?

Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Primary points of access are redirects generated by sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped sections, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.

Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing. Installations must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam promoting, gambling, adult dating, scam-promoting, etc.).

In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AssistiveArchive, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove AssistiveArchive adware using Combo Cleaner:

AssistiveArchive adware removal:

Remove AssistiveArchive-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 endorse content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware is also deemed to be a privacy threat since it typically has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces. Furthermore, some adware types can cause redirects and collect sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, software, products, etc.). The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar. Most of the profit is made via affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove AssistiveArchive adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type applications installed. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the software has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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