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How to remove AssistiveArchive adware from your operating system

Also Known As: Ads by AssistiveArchive
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

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

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; AssistiveOriginAgentInitiator, 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:

Pop-up displayed once AssistiveArchive installation is complete

AssistiveArchive adware's installation folder:

AssistiveArchive adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove AssistiveArchive adware using Combo Cleaner:

AssistiveArchive adware removal:

Remove AssistiveArchive-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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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.