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How to uninstall OriginalAssist from your computer

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

What is OriginalAssist?

Our analysis of the OriginalAssist app has revealed that it operates as adware. While active, it generates intrusive advertisements and may have additional functionalities. Users should avoid installing apps like OriginalAssist, as installing them can lead to various issues.

OriginalAssist adware

OriginalAssist adware in detail

Ads generated by OriginalAssist can be intrusive and misleading. These ads may appear as pop-ups, banners, or other forms of ads and lead to various types of deceptive web pages. For instance, clicking on these ads might direct users to websites that promote phishing schemes or technical support scams.

These sites can impersonate legitimate platforms to trick users into revealing personal information, such as login credentials, credit card details, ID card information, or other details. Also, these pages may deceive users into providing scammers with remote access to their computers or paying for fake products or services.

Additionally, ads from OriginalAssist might redirect users to websites that promote unwanted or even malicious programs, like adware and browser hijackers. Therefore, it is highly advisable to avoid interacting with ads generated by apps like OriginalAssist. Moreover, OriginalAssist may be designed to gather various data.

This data might include browsing history, IP addresses, device information, and similar details, or even sensitive information like login credentials and passwords. Overall, OriginalAssist should be removed from affected devices as soon as possible.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by OriginalAssist
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.

Conclusion

Adware should be avoided because it can significantly degrade computer's performance and disrupt web browsing experience by inundating users with unwanted and intrusive ads. Additionally, it poses privacy risks by collecting various data. Overall, users should not have adware installed on computers.

More adware examples are SectionInitiator, DeviceProgress, and ExploreBuffer.

How did OriginalAssist install on my computer?

Adware is commonly installed alongside free software when it is bundled as an additional offer within the installation process. Users typically end up with adware if they proceed with the default installation settings or fail to uncheck optional offers in "Advanced," "Custom," or similar options during installation.

Additionally, users may inadvertently download and install adware via unofficial websites, third-party downloaders, peer-to-peer networks, third-party app stores, fake software updates, and dubious advertisements or pop-ups.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Download software from sources like official websites or trusted app stores (do not trust other sources). During installation, scrutinize all options and uncheck any unnecessary offers. Avoid clicking on suspicious ads, pop-ups, or prompts encountered on dubious sites. Do not permit suspicious pages to send notifications.

Moreover, use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware tool to scan your system and keep your software up to date. If your computer is already infected with OriginalAssist, 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 OriginalAssist:

OriginalAssist adware pop-up displayed after installation

OriginalAssist's installation folder:

OriginalAssist 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 OriginalAssist adware using Combo Cleaner:

OriginalAssist adware removal:

Remove OriginalAssist-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?

When installed, adware can slow down a computer. Also, its functionalities can lead to a diminished web browsing experience. Additionally, adware can pose privacy and security risks.

What does adware do?

As a rule, adware displays various advertisements (including misleading ones). Additionally, adware can be designed to hijack browsers and harvest data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers earn money by displaying advertisements that promote various products, websites, or services. They primarily generate revenue through affiliate programs, where they receive payments for driving traffic or generating sales for the entities they advertise.

Will Combo Cleaner remove OriginalAssist adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove all installed adware. Manual removal is not always effective, as remnants of the adware may still linger in the system. Even if the main program is deleted, some of its components might continue to run.

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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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Ads by OriginalAssist QR code
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Platform: macOS

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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.