Removal instructions for the SoftwareAssist adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SoftwareAssist?
SoftwareAssist is an adware-type app discovered by our research team during a routine investigation of new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. This application is part of the AdLoad malware family. SoftwareAssist is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns.
SoftwareAssist adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
Software within this classification may require specific conditions to deliver intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if SoftwareAssist does not display ads – it remains a threat.
Adware-delivered advertisements primarily promote online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and potential malware. Some of them can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products or services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
While AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking capabilities – we did not observe these qualities while investigating SoftwareAssist.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to the SoftwareAssist app. Data of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like SoftwareAssist on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SoftwareAssist |
| 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.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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed countless adware samples; ActiveEnviroment, TrustTriviaLogoff, and AdvancedEntry are merely a couple of our newest finds. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. It can also offer various "useful" functionalities, which are rarely operational.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SoftwareAssist install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary programs. The danger of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Adware is also promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most users enter these pages via redirects caused by websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Additionally, some intrusive advertisements are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. These adverts are used to proliferate advertising-supported software as well.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SoftwareAssist, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SoftwareAssist adware's installation is over:
SoftwareAssist 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 SoftwareAssist?
- STEP 1. Remove SoftwareAssist related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SoftwareAssist ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SoftwareAssist adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SoftwareAssist ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SoftwareAssist adware using Combo Cleaner:
SoftwareAssist adware removal:
Remove SoftwareAssist-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-displayed ads can promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Additionally, this software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware is also considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of ads on various interfaces (e.g., visited websites, desktops, etc.). Furthermore, some types are also capable of force-opening webpages and collecting vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SoftwareAssist adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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