How to remove AssistRadio adware-type app and the ads it displays

What kind of application is AssistRadio?

While browsing new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our research team discovered the AssistRadio app. Our examination revealed that it is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family. AssistRadio is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.

AssistRadio adware overview

Adware typically operates by displaying advertisements (e.g., banners, overlays, surveys, coupons, pop-ups, etc.) on visited websites or other interfaces. This third-party graphical content can promote online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

It must be mentioned that any legitimate products/services encountered via these adverts are unlikely to be endorsed by any official parties. This endorsement is most likely undertaken by scammers who abuse the promoted content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browse/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if AssistRadio does not display ads – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.

It is worth mentioning that AdLoad adware often possesses browser-hijacking capabilities, but we did not observe these qualities while testing the AssistRadio application.

Software within this classification usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might be true of AssistRadio. Adware tends to gather the following data: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, browser cookies, log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, advertising-supported software like AssistRadio may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by AssistRadio
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 investigated thousands of adware samples; ConnectionTiming, VirtualPartition, FractionConsole, and CacheDivision are merely a few of our latest articles.

Adware typically appears legitimate and offers various functionalities. However, it seldom operates as promised since its features usually serve as bait to trick users into downloading/installing the software.

It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not prove legitimacy or safety.

How did AssistRadio install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using the bundling technique, which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements.

Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – pose a threat of bundled content infiltrating the system.

Furthermore, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most visitors access them via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Another proliferator is intrusive adverts. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is essential to research software and download only from official/verified channels. When installing, we recommend studying terms and options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, and so forth.

Fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless – therefore, we advise vigilance when browsing. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., pornography, scam-promoting, gambling, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove AssistRadio adware using Combo Cleaner:

AssistRadio adware removal:

Remove AssistRadio-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?

The presence of adware on a device can result in a diminished browsing experience and system performance. This software displays advertisements endorsing content that may cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware is deemed a privacy threat since it usually collects vulnerable information.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays advertisements on various interfaces (e.g., visited websites, desktops, etc.). Additionally, some adware types can generate redirects and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

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

Will Combo Cleaner remove AssistRadio adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. The remaining components may continue running and causing issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is paramount.

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