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Removal instructions for the ThemeRanked adware-type application

Also Known As: Ads by ThemeRanked
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

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

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.

Threat Summary:
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.
▼ 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

We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; TelephoneResultsBasicParameter, 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:

Pop-up displayed once ThemeRanked installation is complete

ThemeRanked adware's installation folder:

ThemeRanked adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove ThemeRanked adware using Combo Cleaner:

ThemeRanked adware removal:

Remove ThemeRanked-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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