How to remove AssistSync adware from your operating system

What kind of application is AssistSync?

Our research team discovered the AssistSync app while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After analyzing this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). AssistSync belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

AssistSync adware overview

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers. It runs intrusive ad campaigns, typically by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, coupons, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces.

These advertisements can endorse online scams (phishing, tech support, etc.), unreliable/hazardous software (adware, PUAs, browser hijackers, etc.), and malware (trojans, ransomware, etc.). When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Keep in mind that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via intrusive ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Adware may require certain conditions to deliver intrusive advert campaigns. However, even if AssistSync does not display advertisements – its presence endangers device/user safety.

Additionally, adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family often has browser-hijacking capabilities, but we did not observe these traits while testing this application.

Furthermore, AssistSync might have data-tracking functionalities since they are standard for advertising-supported software. Targeted information may include browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit/debit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, software like AssistSync is associated with the following threats – system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Adware examples

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Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and harmless. Users may be lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of various functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as advertised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did AssistSync install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing technique – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installations (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Furthermore, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Users mainly access them via redirects caused by intrusive ads, pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Intrusive adverts spread advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. When installing, it is important to study terms and options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

AssistSync adware's installation folder:

Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

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

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

AssistSync adware removal:

Remove AssistSync-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-delivered ads endorse content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Its presence can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically displays advertisements on visited websites or other interfaces. Some adware types can also cause redirects and gather private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through advertising. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs, e.g., the developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove AssistSync adware?

Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate all kinds of threats, including adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants can continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.