How to remove AssistiveTransaction (Mac)

What is AssistiveTransaction

AssistiveTransaction is a type of adware designed to infiltrate macOS systems and display unwanted advertisements. Originating from the AdLoad malware family, this rogue application primarily generates revenue for its developers through intrusive ads and affiliate marketing schemes. Users affected by AssistiveTransaction often experience frequent pop-up ads, browser redirects to suspicious websites, and noticeably slower system performance. Unlike some adware variants, this particular program does not exhibit aggressive browser hijacking but does pose significant privacy risks by potentially tracking sensitive user data. Information such as browsing history, login credentials, and financial details may be collected and sold to third parties without user consent. The adware typically spreads via deceptive pop-ups, bundled software installers, and torrent downloads, often exploiting users who rush through installation steps. Removal of AssistiveTransaction can be challenging due to hidden files and system alterations, making automated tools like Combo Cleaner highly recommended. Preventative measures include downloading software exclusively from trusted sources, carefully reviewing installation options, and maintaining updated security software. Overall, while AssistiveTransaction might seem harmless due to its advertising nature, it poses serious threats to system security and user privacy.

How AssistiveTransaction infects Mac computers

AssistiveTransaction adware typically infects Mac systems through deceptive distribution methods that exploit users’ carelessness during software installations. Often bundled with legitimate applications, it can be inadvertently installed when users opt for “Quick” or “Easy” installation settings, bypassing the opportunity to review additional components. This adware may also appear via malicious websites or through clickbait ads that lure unsuspecting users into downloading seemingly beneficial applications. Once installed, AssistiveTransaction begins displaying intrusive advertisements and may track users’ online activities, leading to privacy concerns. Additionally, it can redirect users to dubious websites, further increasing the risk of encountering malware. Therefore, users must exercise caution and perform thorough research before downloading software from unofficial sources to avoid such infections.

1. Download AssistiveTransaction Removal Tool
2. Remove AssistiveTransaction from Login Items
3. Remove/Uninstall AssistiveTransaction from Applications
4. Remove AssistiveTransaction from browsers
5. Reset browser settings
6. Remove AssistiveTransaction files and folders
7. Block AssistiveTransaction ads and pop-ups
8. How to protect from threats, like AssistiveTransaction

Remove AssistiveTransaction manually for free

Note: AssistiveTransaction sets up to start on macOS startup. Therefore, before starting the removal, perform these steps:

1. Open System Preferences, choose Users & Groups.
2. Choose your account (set up as Current User).
3. Click Login Items tab.
4. Find “AssistiveTransaction” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: AssistiveTransaction won’t quit just by closing it, therefor use Force Quit to end the process.

1. Press 3 buttons at the same time: Option, Command, and Esc (Escape). This is similar to Control-Alt-Delete on a Windows PC.
2. Choose AssistiveTransaction in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

Here is a manual step-by-step tutorial for full AssistiveTransaction removal from your computer. This works 99% and was checked with the latest versions of AssistiveTransaction installer on operating systems with the latest updates and browser versions.

Remove AssistiveTransaction from Applications

Remove AssistiveTransaction from Mac:

1. In the Finder sidebar, click Applications.
2. AssistiveTransaction might have an Uninstaller. If you see Uninstall AssistiveTransaction or AssistiveTransaction Uninstaller, double-click it and follow the onscreen instructions.
3. Otherwise, drag AssistiveTransaction from the Applications folder to the Trash (located at the end of the Dock).
4. Then choose Finder > Empty Trash.

Cannot uninstall AssistiveTransaction

If you can’t uninstall AssistiveTransaction using instructions above, or it keeps coming back, you can use free AppCleaner for Mac to remove all residual data and libraries of AssistiveTransaction. Follow instructions below:

1. Download free AppCleaner.
2. Drag AssistiveTransaction from Applications folder to AppCleaner window.
3. Choose files and folders you want to remove along with AssistiveTransaction.
4. Click Delete button.

Remove AssistiveTransaction add-on from your browsers

Removing AssistiveTransaction from Applications often does not bring the desired effect. It is a browser extension, and it may still be active in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Here are instructions on how to remove the AssistiveTransaction extension from your browsers manually.

Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Click Extensions tab.
3. Find AssistiveTransaction extension.
4. Click Uninstall button to remove it.

Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://extensions.
3. Find AssistiveTransaction extension.
4. Click the trash can icon to remove it.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:addons.
3. Choose AssistiveTransaction extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish AssistiveTransaction removal, reset your browser settings to make sure, there are no leftover items in browser folders.

Reset Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Go to the Privacy section of Safari’s preferences.
3. Click Remove All Website Data button.
4. In the opened window, click Remove Now button to remove data stored by websites in Safari.
5. Go to the Advanced section of Safari’s preferences.
6. Click the Show Develop menu in menu bar option.
7. In the menu, click Develop and select Empty Caches from this menu.
8. Again, go to Safari menu and choose Clear History….
9. Choose to clear all history and click Clear History button.

Reset Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://settings.
3. Scroll down and find Show advanced settings link.
4. Click on it and scroll down to the bottom again.
5. Click Reset settings button and click Reset to confirm.

Reset Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:support.
3. Click Refresh Firefox… button.
4. Click Refresh Firefox to confirm.

Remove following files and folders of AssistiveTransaction


~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.AssistiveTransaction.service.app
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.AssistiveTransaction.service.plist
/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.AssistiveTransaction.system
/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.AssistiveTransaction.system.plist


Download AdGuard for Mac to block malicious pop-ups, that promote AssistiveTransaction

AdGuard is the best ad-blocker, internet filtering, and internet security application for macOS. It can cut out unwanted banners from site pages, block pop-ups, stop redirects, and prevent users from visiting potentially dangerous resources. Use it to stop ads promoting AssistiveTransaction in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like AssistiveTransaction

Mac OSX is known to be one of the safest operating systems, and for a long time, there was no need for antivirus products for Mac. But with the growing popularity of Mac computers and notebooks and evolving technology, viruses, trojans, adware, toolbars, hijackers, and other malware paved the way for Mac users. We recommend you to use one of the best anti-malware for Mac available — Malwarebytes for Mac.

Download Malwarebytes for Mac