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How to remove AssistiveEntry from your computer

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

What is AssistiveEntry?

Upon finishing our examination of AssistiveEntry, we concluded that this app operates as adware. As a rule, software of this type generates advertisements (often annoying ones). AssistiveEntry is distributed using dubious methods. Thus, interacting with ads from AssistiveEntry might lead to potentially harmful sites.

AssistiveEntry adware

AssistiveEntry adware in detail

Ads presented by AssistiveEntry can include pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other forms of ads. However, these ads can be misleading. For instance, they can contain fake warnings about system errors or computer infections. Interacting with ads from AssistiveEntry might take users to various unreliable pages.

Users may land on fraudulent pages hosting fake giveaways, lotteries, surveys, potentially malicious programs, technical support scams, phishing schemes, etc. It means that users may unintentionally provide sensitive information to scammers, pay for fake services/products, download harmful software, or take other actions benefiting cybercriminals.

Therefore, is important for users to be cautious and avoid interacting with ads coming from apps like AssistiveEntry to protect their privacy and security online. In addition to displaying ads, AssistiveEntry might harvest browsing-related data (e.g., browsing history, geolocation data). Moreover, sometimes such apps can access passwords, credit card details, and more.

In such cases, users may become victims of identity theft, lose access to personal online accounts, and experience other problems. For these reasons, AssistiveEntry and similar software should be removed from computer as soon as possible. Our removal guide can be found below.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by AssistiveEntry
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), 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.

More about adware

To sum up, adware not only bombards users with intrusive advertisements but also can stealthily gather personal information. Additionally, it can significantly impact a computer's performance. It is advisable for users to steer clear of installing applications from untrustworthy sources to prevent adware from infiltrating their devices.

Some examples of apps sharing similarities with AssistiveEntry are AdjustableFrame, EssentialTask, and AssistiveSpace.

How did AssistiveEntry install on my computer?

Adware is often hidden in freeware or dubious software installers. Users agree to install adware by finishing software installation without deselecting additional components (adware). Typically, additional offers are placed in "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings, or installers have checkboxes indicating optional installations.

Moreover, users may inadvertently install adware through deceptive advertisements, misleading pop-ups (e.g., fake warnings or offers), third-party downloaders, P2P networks, unofficial pages, or app stores. Notifications from unreliable sites can also deceive users into downloading and installing adware.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Do not download software from P2P networks, third-party app stores or downloaders, and similar sources. Obtain it exclusively from official sources such as official websites and app stores. Before installing software, inspect the installer for unwanted apps in "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings and reject unwanted offers.

Do not allow shady sites to send notifications, and avoid clicking on pop-ups, banners, coupons, and similar content on questionable websites. Ensure all software and the operating system are regularly updated, and conduct regular scans on your computer for unwanted apps or other threats.

If your computer is already infected with AssistiveEntry, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A pop-up that appears after the installation of AssistiveEntry:

AssistiveEntry adware pop-up displayed once installation is done

AssistiveEntry's installation folder:

AssistiveEntry adware 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:

Video showing how to remove AssistiveEntry adware using Combo Cleaner:

AssistiveEntry adware removal:

Remove AssistiveEntry-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 can degrade both browsing experience and system performance. It displays ads that can lead to system infections, financial losses, and other serious issues. Additionally, adware poses a privacy threat due to its data-tracking capabilities.

What does adware do?

Adware delivers intrusive advertisements. Additionally, it can gather data and function as a browser hijacker.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue by promoting websites, apps, products, and services. Developers earn commissions from ad clicks, webpage visits, downloads, purchases, and subscriptions, primarily through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove AssistiveEntry adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all installed adware. Manual removal might leave behind hidden remnants that continue to cause issues. Therefore, using a security program to thoroughly remove adware and unwanted software is recommended.

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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.

QR Code
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Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by AssistiveEntry on your mobile device.
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