How to remove the AssistiveLibrary adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is AssistiveLibrary?
AssistiveLibrary is an adware-type app discovered by our research team during a routine inspection of file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Upon examination, it was determined that this application belongs to the AdLoad malware family. Software within this classification generates revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.
AssistiveLibrary adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Typically, it operates by displaying advertisements (e.g., overlays, coupons, surveys, pop-ups, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
However, certain conditions may be necessary for adware to function as designed, such as a compatible browser/system, visits to specific sites, and so on. Regardless of whether AssistiveLibrary displays adverts – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
Adware-delivered advertisements can endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and malware. Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern, as some of the ads can carry them out upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.
AdLoad applications often possess browser-hijacking functionalities – however, AssistiveLibrary did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually collects sensitive information, and AssistiveLibrary might have such data-tracking abilities as well. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like AssistiveLibrary on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by AssistiveLibrary |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.4), 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. |
Adware examples
We have investigated thousands of adware-type apps; BasicApplication, NetUpdate, and HandlerRecord are just a couple of examples. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers useful features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.
Remember that even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not prove its legitimacy or safety.
How did AssistiveLibrary install on my computer?
Adware is endorsed on innocent-looking promotional webpages and scam sites. Most visitors enter these pages via redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Furthermore, advertising-supported software can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate this software as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing. All downloads must be made from official and verified sources. When installing, we advise studying terms and options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, tools, extensions, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AssistiveLibrary, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once AssistiveLibrary adware's installation is over:
AssistiveLibrary 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 AssistiveLibrary?
- STEP 1. Remove AssistiveLibrary related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AssistiveLibrary ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AssistiveLibrary adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AssistiveLibrary ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AssistiveLibrary adware using Combo Cleaner:
AssistiveLibrary adware removal:
Remove AssistiveLibrary-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 via adware-displayed ads (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, advertising-supported software is considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It operates by displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. Some types are also capable of force-opening webpages and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion. Its developers/publishers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AssistiveLibrary adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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