How to remove app_assistant from a computer

What kind of program is app_assistant?

Based on our scrutiny, it has been determined that app_assistant is an advertising-supported application designed to bombard users with intrusive advertisements. As a rule, users obtain apps like app_assistant from unreliable sources. In addition to showing ads, app_assistant may perform other actions.

app_assistant adware in detail

app_assistant can display various intrusive and harmful advertisements, including pop-ups, banners, coupons, interstitial ads, video ads, in-text ads, fake alerts, search engine result ads, etc. Clicking on ads generated by app_assistant can lead users to various undesirable consequences.

Clicking on these ads may redirect users to potentially malicious websites that host malware, phishing scams, or fraudulent content. These sites could exploit vulnerabilities in the user's system, leading to the installation of harmful software or compromising sensitive information.

Additionally, users may inadvertently download fake security software or fall victim to deceptive schemes, such as fake giveaways or surveys, resulting in further security risks and potential financial losses.

It is important to note that app_assistant may engage in unauthorized data gathering, compromising user privacy and security. It is possible that app_assistant tracks users' online behavior, collecting information such as browsing habits, search queries, and the websites visited. It may also harvest personal details like IP addresses, geolocation, device identifiers, and even login credentials.

Some adware can function as a browser hijacker. When a user's browser is hijacked, the settings are altered without their consent or knowledge, redirecting them to unwanted websites (e.g., fake search engines). For these reasons, it is highly advisable not to trust app_assistant and similar apps and to remove adware that is already installed.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by app_assistant
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-CD [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.22), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AS), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Agent.u), Full List (VirusTotal)
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.

Conclusion

In summary, adware poses risks such as a degraded browsing experience, browser hijacking, redirection to malicious sites, and exposure to potential cyber threats. Maintaining vigilance and employing trustworthy antivirus software are essential measures for detecting and preventing adware infections, thereby fostering a safer and more secure online environment for users.

Examples of apps similar to app_assistant are Isoindazole.app, Remcored.app, and Unhindering.app.

How did app_assistant install on my computer?

Adware may be bundled with free software or shady applications available on the internet. When users install these programs without carefully reviewing the installation process, they may unknowingly agree to the installation of adware as well.

Also, clicking on deceptive ads, especially those claiming to offer free software, updates, or other enticing offers, can lead to the unintentional download and installation of adware. In other cases, users install adware via downloads from P2P networks, free file hosting sites, third-party downloaders or app stores, and similar sources.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Stick to reputable pages and official app stores for downloading software. During the installation of any software, opt for custom or advanced installation settings and deselect undesired apps (if any are included in the installer). Avoid clicking on shady pop-ups, ads, notifications from dubious sites, and links in suspicious emails or messages.

Install reputable antivirus or anti-malware software and keep it up to date. Perform regular scans of your computer using security software to check for and eliminate any potential threats. If your computer is already infected with app_assistant, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

When removing app_assistant, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "app_assistant"):

• ~/Library/LaunchAgents
• /Library/LaunchDaemons
• /Library/LaunchAgents
• /Library/StartupItems

A warning that appears before installing app_assistant:

Text in this warning:

"app_assistant" will damage your computer.
 
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.

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

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

app_assistant adware removal:

Remove app_assistant-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 cause various issues, such as the overwhelming presence of bothersome and disruptive ads, potential compromises to privacy through the gathering of sensitive data, and disruptions to web browser settings, ultimately compromising the online experience. The invasive characteristics of adware may also contribute to a decline in system performance.

What does adware do?

Adware exhibits the unwelcome behavior of showcasing unwanted ads on a user's device. Additionally, it often involves data harvesting practices. In certain instances, adware may also hijack web browsers.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Developers of adware often use affiliate marketing strategies, enabling them to earn commissions by steering users towards particular products, services, or websites.

Will Combo Cleaner remove app_assistant adware?

Combo Cleaner is designed to eradicate all installed adware from your computer. It is essential to recognize that manual removal might not be entirely effective, as residual files could persist in the system even after uninstalling adware.

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