How to remove AssistSample from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is AssistSample?
While testing the AssistSample application, we found that it shows annoying advertisements. Apps of this type are classified as adware (advertising-supported software). Our team discovered the AssistSample app while examining a deceptive website designed to download a fake Adobe Flash Player installer.
AssistSample adware in detail
AssistSample generates pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, and other advertisements. Clicking on those ads can lead to potentially malicious sites, technical support and other scam pages, websites offering to download untrustworthy apps, etc. Also, those ads can cause unexpected downloads (or installations) by running certain scripts.
We examined many apps similar to AssistSample and learned that some of them can read sensitive information (e.g., passwords, credit card details). Their developers may misuse that information for malicious purposes. Thus, having AssistSample installed on the operating system can cause problems related to online privacy.
| Name | Ads by AssistSample |
| 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.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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), fake Flash Player installers, 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. |
More about adware
Most users download and install adware inadvertently. Software of this type usually is promoted in deceptive ways. While present, adware shows intrusive advertisements. In addition to showing ads, adware can hijack a web browser and gather various information.
More examples of apps similar to AssistSample are ExpandedSystem, CentralGeo, and HorizonElite.
How did AssistSample install on my computer?
It is common for adware-type apps to be distributed via software bundles. It is often included in installers as optional installations. In such cases, adware gets installed after completing installations without changing "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings provided in installers.
Also, adware can be installed via fake installers (e.g., installers masquerading as Adobe Flash Player installers) and advertisements designed to execute certain scripts. In all cases, most users download and install unknowingly.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Do not download or install software without checking downloaders and installers for unwanted apps and deselecting those apps using the provided settings. Download applications from legitimate (official) websites and stores. Do not trust third-party stores, unofficial pages, third-party downloaders, P2P networks, and similar sources.
Also, do not click on advertisements appearing on dubious, questionable pages or allow such pages to deliver (show) notifications. If your computer is already infected with AssistSample, 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 AssistSample adware:
AssistSample'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
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Quick menu:
- What is AssistSample?
- STEP 1. Remove AssistSample related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AssistSample ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AssistSample adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AssistSample ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AssistSample adware using Combo Cleaner:
AssistSample adware removal:
Remove AssistSample-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?
Software of this type can slow down a computer, diminish the Internet browsing experience, invade privacy, and cause other issues.
What does adware do?
It shows annoying advertisements (e.g., banners, coupons, pop-ups).
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Usually, they participate in affiliate programs. Adware is used to promote various products, services, websites, etc. It is often used to promote untrustworthy (and apps) pages.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AssistSample adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Manual removal does not always work since various file leftovers remain in the system even if the adware is deleted.
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