Removal instructions for the ThemeRanked adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ThemeRanked?
ThemeRanked is a rogue app that we found while investigating new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After analyzing this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). ThemeRanked is part of the AdLoad malware family.
ThemeRanked adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. It displays adverts on various interfaces. This third-party graphical content primarily endorses online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Note that while genuine products/services can be encountered through adware-delivered advertisements – they are highly unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might require specific conditions to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. However, even if ThemeRanked does not display adverts – its presence endangers device/user safety.
Additionally, while AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking functionalities, the ThemeRanked adware did not exhibit these abilities.
Furthermore, this rogue app likely collects private data. Information of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. This sensitive information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like ThemeRanked on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ThemeRanked |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to Adload malware family. |
| Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; TelephoneResults, BasicParameter, and PrimaryLauncher are just some of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and harmless. Users are lured into downloading/installing software by promising a wide variety of "useful" and "advantageous" functions. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ThemeRanked install on my computer?
"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to proliferate adware. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Express") settings – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users access these webpages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – yet they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ThemeRanked, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ThemeRanked adware's installation is over:
ThemeRanked adware's installation folder:
Instant automatic Mac 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 Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
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. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is ThemeRanked?
- STEP 1. Remove ThemeRanked related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ThemeRanked ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ThemeRanked adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ThemeRanked ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ThemeRanked adware using Combo Cleaner:
ThemeRanked adware removal:
Remove ThemeRanked-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 advertisements promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). This software can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, advertising-supported software is classed as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It enables the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Furthermore, some adware-types can also force-open websites and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ThemeRanked adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (performed without security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, after adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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