What Is AssistiveTool?
AssistiveTool is a suspicious, ad-supported program from the AdLoad malware family that specifically targets macOS users. Being an adware program, AssistiveTool will generate intrusive advertising campaigns on your Mac, mostly in the form of pop-ups. The difference between regular ads and ads generated by adware is that the latter tend to endorse scams and fake programs. Thus, interacting with the content generated by AssistiveTool (e.g. clicking the ad) is not recommended, as it will compromise your Mac further. You may end up downloading a piece of malware, such as a trojan, or expose your personal or financial information to hackers.
To avoid any malicious outcomes, consider the complete removal of AssistiveTool, with the help of an anti-malware program. This article will provide you with all the necessary information you need to remove the adware and avoid future intrusions.
AssistiveTool Details
| Name | AssistiveTool also known as Trojan.Adload |
| Type | Adware / Potentially Unwanted Application / Mac Virus |
| Removal Time | Less than 15 minutes |
| Removal Tool |
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AssistiveTool Installation
AssistiveTool is most likely distributed via bundled software installers and fake software updates (e.g. Adobe Flash Player is out of date). You may have downloaded a free program from the web which was bundled with AssistiveTool. Such additional, hidden downloads are often the culprit for the installation of potentially unwanted programs and adware.
These applications usually sneak into your Mac through third-party websites, not the official Apple App Store. Marketed as useful, they may not be as legitimate as they seem. Another distribution method used by AdLoad is through additional installations alongside recent setups. In the installer of a free app, an AdLoad variant such as AssistiveTool may be promoted as an “optional deal” or a “free added.”
While the application may appear beneficial at first, it can tamper with your Mac’s permissions and alter browser settings for Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Opera. These changes are done so that AdLoad can display various types of ads, including pop-ups, browser redirect ads, banners, and push notifications.
What Is the Purpose of AssistiveTool?
In most cases, the end goal of programs such as AssistiveTool is data collection and hijacking browser sessions by imposing ads on users. Such programs may also open a backdoor which might be used to drop additional adware or even malware. To sum it up, the program can be used in various malicious scenarios, depending on the hackers’ current agenda and campaign.
Is AssistiveTool Dangerous?
The presence of AssistiveTool significantly impairs the browsing experience and increases the risk of further infections. Adware applications deliver advertisements (e.g., coupons, banners, pop-ups) that can redirect to malicious websites or install other unwanted apps through scripts.
Clicking on these ads can trigger the installation of infectious apps. Moreover, these adware apps collect user information like IP addresses, visited website URLs, search queries, and other details, which are then shared with third parties, potentially leading to privacy issues or identity theft.
How to Protect My Mac from AssistiveTool?
It’s easy to prevent the installation of such dangerous programs by following these tips:
- Don’t download programs from Internet ads, pop-ups, torrent trackers, file sharing sites and other unreliable sources.
- Opt-out of the setting hidden in the “Custom” or “Advanced” sections when you’re installing a program. You can deselect most PUPs from there.
- Avoid installing programs you don’t need.
- Keep an eye out for any excessive or unusual Internet advertising. These ads can be brought on by PUPs and adware attached to your browser.
- Read the terms and conditions of use when you install any programs.
- Check your installed software regularly and uninstall any applications you do not want or need.
- Install an anti-malware program that also has the ability to detect and remove potentially unwanted programs.
Remove AssistiveTool from Your Mac
In order to remove the so-called AssistiveTool virus and all associated files from your Mac, you should complete all the steps listed in the removal that follows. It presents both manual and automatic removal instructions that combined could help you to secure your device and keep it safe from future attacks. Considering the malicious nature of the threat, the utilization of an anti-malware program is highly recommended.
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Steps to Prepare Before Removal:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove AssistiveTool files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as AssistiveTool, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Step 2: Uninstall AssistiveTool and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to AssistiveTool:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to AssistiveTool. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to AssistiveTool. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove AssistiveTool via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as AssistiveTool. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3: Remove AssistiveTool – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
AssistiveTool-FAQ
What is AssistiveTool on your Mac?
The AssistiveTool threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down significantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
Can Macs Get Viruses?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that almost all of the Apple devices can become infected with a threat.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the types of threats that can currently infect your Mac can be rogue antivirus programs, adware or hijackers (PUPs), Trojan horses, ransomware and crypto-miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like AssistiveTool?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.
There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to Secure My Data from AssistiveTool?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the AssistiveTool Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this AssistiveTool how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on AssistiveTool?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the AssistiveTool threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.