How to remove AssistiveMaster adware from Mac

What kind of application is AssistiveMaster?

Our researchers found the AssistiveMaster application while inspecting file submissions to VirusTotal. This rogue app is advertising-supported software (adware). AssistiveMaster belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

AssistiveMaster adware overview

Adware is designed to generate revenue through advertising. In most cases, software within this classification works by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, coupons, and other ads) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.

Specific conditions may be required for adware to operate as intended, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, and so on. However, even if AssistiveMaster does not deliver advertisements – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety.

Adverts displayed by adware can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, adware-type AdLoad applications commonly work as browser hijackers. However, AssistiveMaster did not exhibit the associated capabilities during our analysis.

What is more, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to AssistiveMaster. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit/debit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be shared with or sold to third-parties.

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

Adware examples

AccessCoordinator,Adicea.app,FatHomage.app,Valenciennes.app, and Polyhedrical.app are merely a few of our articles on Mac-specific adware.

Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. It can also offer a wide variety of "handy" features that seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Remember that even if a piece of software operates as advertised – that is not definite proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did AssistiveMaster install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using the "bundling" marketing technique, which entails packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. These pre-packed installation setups can be downloaded from suspicious sources like freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and others.

The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps or sections, using the "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most visitors access them via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Intrusive adverts proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to carry out stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.

We advise vigilance when browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – however, they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).

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

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

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

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

AssistiveMaster adware removal:

Remove AssistiveMaster-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 adverts endorse content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It typically has data-tracking abilities – hence, adware is also considered a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware operates by running intrusive ad campaigns. The software's primary functions can include displaying advertisements on various interfaces, force-opening webpages, and gathering sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove AssistiveMaster adware?

Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected 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 remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.