How to eliminate the MapperRanking adware from your Mac

What kind of application is MapperRanking?

Our researchers found the MapperRanking application while reviewing file submissions to the VirusTotal site. After inspecting this app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family. MapperRanking is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns.

MapperRanking adware overview

Adware delivers intrusive ad campaigns – typically by placing third-party graphical content (e.g., surveys, overlays, pop-ups, coupons, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.

However, certain conditions may be necessary for the software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Yet even if MapperRanking does not display advertisements – its presence on a system remains a threat to device/user safety.

Ads delivered by adware commonly endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern, as some intrusive adverts can carry them out upon being clicked. Note that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

AdLoad adware often exhibits browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe these qualities while analyzing the MapperRanking app.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually collects vulnerable user information, and MapperRanking may possess such data-tracking functionalities.

Targeted information can include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can be shared with or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, adware is associated with system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by MapperRanking
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 the 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware examples

Capmaking.app, BufferDeveloper, ElementaryInterface, FractionInterface, and WebClick are merely some examples of adware we have investigated recently. Software within this classification typically appears legitimate and harmless.

Users may be lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of various handy functions. However, these functionalities are rarely operational since their sole purpose is to serve as bait. It must be stressed that functional features alone do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.

How did MapperRanking install on my computer?

Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed through scam websites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects caused by intrusive adverts, sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open pages).

Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Some of these ads can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Additionally, adware is distributed using "bundling" – this marketing method entails packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements.

These pre-packed installation setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, and other suspect sources. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by inattentiveness when installing programs (e.g., ignored terms, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We advise researching software prior to downloading or purchasing. All downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, tools, and so forth.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since the Internet is full of deceptive and malicious content. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

Should you keep encountering adverts/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MapperRanking, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once MapperRanking adware's installation is over:

MapperRanking 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 MapperRanking?
• STEP 1. Remove MapperRanking related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove MapperRanking ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove MapperRanking adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove MapperRanking ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

MapperRanking adware removal:

Remove MapperRanking-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-displayed advertisements often promote content that can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware is classified as a privacy threat since it usually collects sensitive information.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces. Some types are also capable of generating redirects and gathering private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue by promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove MapperRanking adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, various file remnants stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is essential.

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