How to remove RankingNetworks adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is RankingNetworks?
RankingNetworks is a rogue app discovered by our researchers while inspecting file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this application, we learned that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. RankingNetworks generates revenue for its developers through advertising.
RankingNetworks adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It typically operates by feeding users with unwanted and potentially dangerous advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., banners, coupons, pop-ups, overlays, etc.) can be placed on visited websites or other interfaces.
It is noteworthy that specific conditions may be required for adware to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Yet even if RankingNetworks does not deliver adverts – it remains a threat to device integrity and user safety.
Adware-displayed ads commonly promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Some of the adverts can perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. Note that any genuine content encountered through these advertisements is most likely endorsed by scammers abusing its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, AdLoad apps often have browser-hijacking functionalities – however, the RankingNetworks adware did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.
What is more, software within this classification usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to RankingNetworks. Adware may collect the following information: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like RankingNetworks on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by RankingNetworks |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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 investigated countless adware samples; FindWebResults, AnalogInterface, and CommonRemote are just a few of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software tends to appear ordinary and harmless. Users may be enticed into downloading/installing it by promises of various "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.
How did RankingNetworks install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing tactic – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions.
The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. The majority of visitors access them via redirects caused by sites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements spread this software as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, we recommend reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, tools, extensions, etc.
We also advise caution when browsing, as fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
If you keep encountering ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with RankingNetworks, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once RankingNetworks adware's installation is over:
RankingNetworks 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 RankingNetworks?
- STEP 1. Remove RankingNetworks related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove RankingNetworks ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove RankingNetworks adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove RankingNetworks ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove RankingNetworks adware using Combo Cleaner:
RankingNetworks adware removal:
Remove RankingNetworks-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays ads that may promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware tends to have data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of advertisements on visited sites and/or other interfaces. Some adware types can also force-open webpages and gather sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by promoting content. Its developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove RankingNetworks adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and remove detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, various file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed. What is more, these remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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