Removal instructions for the AssistField adware-type app

What kind of application is AssistField?

Our research team found AssistField while browsing new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software. This adware belongs to the AdLoad malware family. AssistField is designed to feed users with unwanted and possibly malicious ads.

AssistField adware overview

Adware generates revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. This software usually displays third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, banners, and other ads) on visited websites, desktops, or different interfaces.

Certain conditions may be required for advertising-supported software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether AssistField delivers advertisements – it remains a threat to device/user safety.

Adware-displayed adverts can endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Some of the ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations. Genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Additionally, AdLoad applications often exhibit browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe such traits while analyzing AssistField.

What is more, adware typically collects vulnerable user information, and AssistField might have data-tracking functionalities. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. The gathered data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like AssistField on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by AssistField
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.29), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information	This application belongs to the 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

DefaultLocator, RecordCharacter, BrowserConnection, IndexerDivision, and GuideTable are but a few of our latest articles on adware. Software within this classification rarely appears suspicious – it tends to look legitimate and harmless.

Adware can also offer a broad range of handy functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they don't work at all. It must be stressed that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did AssistField install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. These pre-packed installation setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, and other dubious channels. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is further increased by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Furthermore, adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam sites. These pages are primarily accessed via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive adverts. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing. Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified channels. When installing, it is important to study terms and options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of supplementary apps, extensions, etc.

We advise vigilance while browsing, as the Internet is rife with well-disguised fake and malicious content. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove AssistField adware using Combo Cleaner:

AssistField adware removal:

Remove AssistField-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Severe threats are posed by the content endorsed through adware-delivered advertisements (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, this software usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include placing third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

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

Will Combo Cleaner remove AssistField adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, various leftovers (files) stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. These components might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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