Avoid downloading untrustworthy applications from Noname websites
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
What is "Noname"?
Noname is a group of scam sites. For example, nonamenba and nonamebnm are part of this family. These websites are designed to endorse untrustworthy applications. One of their commonly promoted applications is Smart Mac Booster, a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).
By using scare tactics, these sites encourage visitors into downloading/installing the software they advertise. The web pages warn of detected threats/issues and recommend an app for their elimination. Note that no site can detect such problems present on devices.
Therefore, any claim to this effect cannot be trusted. Most visitors to Noname do not access these web pages intentionally, they are redirected by intrusive ads or PUAs already infiltrated into the system.
When accessed, Noname web pages first display a pop-up window. The message within it claims that a website users visited earlier has infected their device with a virus. Clicking "OK" will allegedly begin the repair process. After this pop-up is closed, a different page is displayed.
It repeats the initial warning and further states that a full system scan is necessary to locate and remove harmful files/applications. Device details (brand, OS version, browser, IP address, Internet provider and location) are listed in an attempt to maximize the appearance of authenticity.
The "Scan Now" button begins a fake scan, which "detects" a high-risk virus called Bankworm. Noname then offers Advanced Mac Cleaner (an allegedly, free and highly-rated piece of software) for the removal of this fake threat. Users tricked into clicking "REMOVE VIRUS NOW" find themselves redirected to promotional sites of dubious applications (e.g. Smart Mac Booster).
Usually, these rogue apps are installed via the maccleaner.pkg file. In most cases, the promoted software is classified as PUAs. Furthermore, it typically requires activation to become operational. In other words, the applications need to be purchased to perform the promised functions. Even after purchase, however, they often remain nonoperational.
In general, PUAs tend to share common traits. For example, Smart Mac Booster, Mac Cleanup Pro, and MacKeeper are bogus Mac cleaners/optimizers, sharing many similarities. Unwanted apps offer various functions, as well as system protection/enhancement.
Regardless of how good these offers may sound, the advertised features are rarely operational. The only purpose of all unwanted content is to generate revenue for the developers, while regular users receive no genuine value. Rather than delivering on any promises, PUAs cause redirects to untrustworthy, deceptive/scam and malicious websites.
Some can deliver intrusive advertisements, which diminish browsing quality and carry certain risks. Other types make unauthorized changes to browsers (hijack them).
PUAs often possess data tracking abilities, which they use to record browsing activity (browsing and search engine histories) and gather users' personal details (IP addresses, geolocations and other information). This sensitive data can then be shared with third parties, and potentially end up in the hands of cyber criminals.
In summary, PUAs can lead to browser/system infiltration and infections as well as financial loss, severe privacy issues, and even identity theft. Ro ensure device and user safety, remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
| Name | Noname pop-up |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus. |
| Fake Claim | These pages claim that the visitor's Mac is infected with a virus. |
| Detection Names | BitDefender (Malware), Fortinet (Spam), Spamhaus (Spam), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address | 193.35.51.5 |
| Related Domains | Full list below. |
| Promoted Unwanted Application | Smart Mac Booster and other PUAs |
| 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), fake Flash Player installers, 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. |
Smmhck, Trksmm, and Nothsws are examples of other scam website groups virtually identical to Noname. Their sole purpose is to generate profit for their designers, mainly through promotion of untrustworthy content. They do so by warning visitors of present threats/issues, outdated or missing essential software, and similar.
You are expressly advised against downloading/installing or purchasing apps/updates promoted on such pages.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
PUAs can be unintentionally downloaded/installed together with other products. This deceptive marketing technique of packing regular software with unwanted content is called "bundling". Rushing download/installation processes (e.g. ignoring, skipping steps and sections, using pre-set options, etc.) increases the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content onto systems.
Some PUAs have "official" promotional sites, whereby they are usually endorsed as "free". When clicked, intrusive ads can execute scripts designed to download/install PUAs without users' consent.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
You are advised to research all content, before downloading/installing. Use only official and verified download sources. Do not use P2P sharing networks (BitTorrent, eMule, Gnutella, etc.), free file-hosting websites, third party downloaders, or similar channels as they are classed as untrustworthy.
When downloading/installing, read the terms, explore all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out of supplementary apps, tools, functions, etc. Intrusive ads rarely seem suspicious and, in fact, often appear legitimate and harmless, however, they can redirect to various dubious web pages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating and others).
If you encounter advertisements/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and remove all suspect applications and/or browser extensions/plug-ins without delay. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Text presented in the pop-up window:
VIRUS FOUND
A website you visited today has infected your Mac with a virus.
Press OK to begin the repair process.
Screenshot of second web page displayed by Noname websites:
Text presented in this page:
VIRUS FOUND
A website you have visited today has infected your Mac with a virus. A full system scan is now required to find and remove harmful files or applications from your Mac OS X 10_13_6 device.
DEVICE INFORMATION
Brand: Apple
Device: Mac OS X 10_13_6
Browser: Safari 12.0.1
IP: 85.206.10.62
Provider: Telia Lietuva, AB
Location: - LT
Scan Now
Screenshot of the fake scan:
Text presented in this page:
DOWNLOAD REQUIRED
Please download the Advanced Mac Cleaner application to remove Bankworm from your Mac.
VIRUS INFORMATION
Virus Name: Bankworm
Risk: HIGH
Infected File: /os/apps/worm.icv
VIRUS REMOVAL
Application: Advanced Mac Cleaner
Rating: 9.9/10
Price: Free
REMOVE VIRUS NOW
Appearance of Noname (GIF):
List of domain families belonging to the Noname scam website group:
| nonamebiaso | nonamekgb | nonameroute |
| nonamebonu | nonamelkes | nonamertmf |
| nonamebnm | nonamemonth | nonamesadlenes |
| nonamecountry | nonamenba | nonamesbl |
| nonamecss | nonamenbm | nonamesrv |
| nonamecurl | nonameonln | nonamesun |
| nonamedrvl | nonamepbl | nonametake |
| nonamedvlp | nonamere-route | nonametds |
| nonamefbr | nonameptr | nonametime |
| nonamefci | nonamereverse | nonametown |
| nonamefetch | nonamergw | nonamettx |
| nonamegbm | nonamergwr | nonamewget |
| nonamegw | nonameriky | nonameyear |
| nonamecltf | nonamebrdn | nonameprzs |
| nonamerbon | nonamealms |
Screenshot of Smart Mac Booster:
Screenshot of Smart Mac Booster application:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer 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 "Noname"?
- STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove unwanted applications promoted via Noname websites using Combo Cleaner:
Potentially unwanted applications removal:
Remove 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 noname pop-up 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 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 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 in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure 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 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 it's virus definition database and click "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.
Noname pop-up removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove noname pop-up related Safari extensions:
Open 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 normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove noname pop-up related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the "Open Menu" (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose "Add-ons".
Choose the "Extensions" tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Remove" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove noname pop-up related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose "More Tools" and select "Extensions".
In the "Extensions" window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Trash" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Outstanding!
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