How to eliminate AssistiveFormat adware from your Mac

What kind of application is AssistiveFormat?

Our researchers discovered the AssistiveFormat application while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. AssistiveFormat operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns.

AssistiveFormat adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It can display ads on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, overlays, etc.) primarily endorses online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Note that while legitimate content may be encountered through these advertisements – it is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if AssistiveFormat does not display advertisements – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety.

AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking qualities, but we did not observe these functionalities while testing the AssistiveFormat adware.

Furthermore, this rogue app likely has data-tracking abilities since they are standard for software within this classification. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, and finance-related data. The collected information can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by AssistiveFormat
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), 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.

Adware examples

We have analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; ExploreFast, TaskAnalyzer, InitialEngine, VisualFlexibility, and ChipsOverallKind are merely some examples.

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

Keep in mind that even if an app or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did AssistiveFormat install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using the "bundling" marketing method – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements.

The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g.. ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Furthermore, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam sites. Users mainly access such webpages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

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

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is crucial to research software and download it from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with care. Therefore, we recommend reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, and so on.

Fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless – therefore, we advise caution when browsing. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

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

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

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

Video showing how to remove AssistiveFormat adware using Combo Cleaner:

AssistiveFormat adware removal:

Remove AssistiveFormat-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 displays advertisements that promote unreliable/harmful content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces. Some adware types are also capable of force-opening websites and gathering sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue by endorsing sites, apps, browser extensions, products, services, and other content. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove AssistiveFormat adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is worth mentioning that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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