How to eliminate AssistiveTransaction adware from the operating system

What kind of application is AssistiveTransaction?

AssistiveTransaction is a rogue app discovered by our research team during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this application, we learned that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family.

AssistiveTransaction adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. Typically, adware displays ads on visited webpages, desktops, or different interfaces.

These advertisements promote online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and malware. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

It is noteworthy that while legitimate products/services can be encountered through adware-delivered ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the promoted content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not work as intended if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether AssistiveTransaction displays adverts – it remains a threat to device/user safety.

AdLoad applications often exhibit browser-hijacking functionalities, yet we did not observe these qualities while testing the AssistiveTransaction app.

Additionally, adware tends to have data-tracking abilities, and this might be true of AssistiveTransaction. Targeted information may include browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

In summary, software like AssistiveTransaction is associated with the following risks – system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Adware examples

We have written about numerous adware-type applications; AccessCoordinator, FatHomage.app, and Polyhedrical.app are merely a couple of our newest articles. Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers "useful" functions. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.

Keep in mind that even if an app or extension works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee legitimacy or safety.

How did AssistiveTransaction install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The danger of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Intrusive ads proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Some of the advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional pages and is endorsed on scam websites. They are primarily entered via redirects caused by sites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive adverts, or adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software before downloading or purchasing. All downloads must be made from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, we recommend studying terms and options, using "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

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

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

AssistiveTransaction adware removal:

Remove AssistiveTransaction-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 ads promote content that can cause system infections, privacy issues, and financial losses. The software's presence on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Usually, adware has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays adverts on various interfaces and may also generate redirects or collect sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion (e.g., sites, products, services, etc.). The majority of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove AssistiveTransaction adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be ideal. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.