AssistiveDisplaySearch Mac Adware
The AssistiveDisplaySearch is an adware program that has been identified to be created to affect Mac operating systems. It is capable of doing specific changes that affect the settings of the macOS and the installed browsers. Afterward, the program accesses target web browsers which may be Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc. and starts generating lots of suspicious ads. Browser redirects, pop-ups, banners, new browser windows may inundate your online browsing. Every time you visit an ad generated by the adware, its owners will get paid. Since AssistiveDisplaySearch owners’ primary aim to utilize the nasty app for monetization purposes, they may neglect the security level of sites promoted via their app. Hence, you should be very careful with ads generated by this Mac adware. Some of them may be presenting misleading information in an attempt to make you prone to install a rogue application or download a malicious software.
If you see AssistiveDisplaySearch adware on your Mac, you should take action to detect and remove potentially unwanted files from both the affected system and browser.
AssistiveDisplaySearch Adware Summary
| Name | AssistiveDisplaySearch / Assistive Display Search |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable application that hijacks Safari and Chrome browsers installed on macOS. Performs browser modifications without your knowledge. Generates annoying ads. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab page and search engine in preferred web browser may be set to display a hoax search engine. Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. The program may start every time you start the affected Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss AssistiveDisplaySearch Adware. |
AssistiveDisplaySearch Potentially Unwanted Program on Mac
AssistiveDisplaySearch is an adware for macOS. It is not a malicious program, hence, it is not a Mac virus but it lowers online security by generating bogus ads. Let us warn you that ads displayed by AssistiveDisplaySearch adware may link to poorly secured or even hacked websites. Visiting shady websites may endanger the overall system security. Your sensitive data may be exposed to the risk of theft.
What’s confusing is the fact that adware apps tend to activate different tracking technologies in order to spy on users’ online activities and send reports to their servers. Unfortunately, a guarantee that some of the tracking technologies dropped by AssistiveDisplaySearch won’t harvest usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, etc. lacks.
AssistiveDisplaySearch lands on Mac operating systems without users’ knowledge. The program belongs to the potentially unwanted applications type of infections. Different techniques are used for the propagation of PUPs for Mac.
Other shady third-party apps are very likely to be spreading this Mac adware. Usually, such apps have installers that are designed to install extra apps by default. If not unmarked, these extra, mostly undesired apps, invade the system and start performing various suspicious changes. To avoid unwanted programs from affecting your Mac you should always look for the Custom or Advanced settings. There you should be able to detect undesired installer’s components and deselect them before you proceed.
Stay secured by removing AssistiveDisplaySearch Mac app from the affected system and all affected browsers.
How to Remove AssistiveDisplaySearch Mac Adware
In order to remove AssistiveDisplaySearch along with all entries created on the Mac system, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents manual and automatic removal approaches. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. The manual AssistiveDisplaySearch removal might be quite a complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
Notice: Before manually removing files or folders on your Mac, make sure to identify the accurate components of AssistiveDisplaySearch, because deleting other apps’ files or system settings files by mistake may trigger malfunction of installed apps or even your system.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Preparation Phase:
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.
Step 1: Uninstall AssistiveDisplaySearch Adware 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:
- 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 AssistiveDisplaySearch Adware 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:
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 2: Remove AssistiveDisplaySearch Adware – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Step 3: Scan for and remove AssistiveDisplaySearch Adware files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as AssistiveDisplaySearch Adware, 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.
AssistiveDisplaySearch Adware FAQ
What is AssistiveDisplaySearch Adware on your Mac?
The AssistiveDisplaySearch Adware threat is a potentially unwanted app or likely a Mac virus. It may slow your Mac down siginficantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your Mac.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your Mac to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your MacOS.
Can my Mac get a virus?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get viruses. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that the following Apple devices can become infected with a virus:
- iMac
- Mac Mini
- Macbook Air
- Macbook Pro
- iPhone
- iPad
What are the symptoms of AssistiveDisplaySearch Adware on your Mac?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also most Mac threats in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your Mac may become slow and has poor performance in general.
Symtpom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Mac's Activity Monitor.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts reccomend that you check your Mac for viruses.
What types of Mac threats are there?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently infect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware and hijackers.
- Trojan horses and other spyware.
- Ransomware and screen-lockers.
- Cryptocurrency miner malware.
What to do if I have a Mac virus, like AssistiveDisplaySearch Adware?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One reccomended 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, tracking cookies and unwanted adware apps plus take care of them quickly. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to secure my passwords and other data from AssistiveDisplaySearch Adware?
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 website, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
