Removing the RankBet adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is RankBet?
Our research team discovered the RankBet rogue app while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. After installing this piece of software onto our test system, we learned that it operates as adware. It is noteworthy that RankBet belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
RankBet adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (i.e., advertisements) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
These adverts endorse untrustworthy/dangerous sites and software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations when clicked on. Note that any genuine products encountered through these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It has to be mentioned that advertising-supported software might not display adverts if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, particular websites are not visited, etc.). However, even if RankBet does not run intrusive ad campaigns - its presence endangers device/user safety.
This rogue application might also have browser hijacker functionalities since they are standard for AdLoad adware; however, we did not observe any during testing.
Furthermore, RankBet likely has data tracking abilities. Data of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like RankBet on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by RankBet |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-TX [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchprox), 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), 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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; NativeSimply, LegionSuites, and AuroraShack are merely a couple of examples. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers "useful" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did RankBet install on my computer?
"Bundling" - pre-packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions - is used to distribute adware. Download from dubious sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed through scam websites. Most users enter such sites via redirects caused by webpages using rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. It is crucial to exercise care when installing, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable sites (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 RankBet, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once RankBet adware's installation is over:
RankBet 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 RankBet?
- STEP 1. Remove RankBet related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove RankBet ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove RankBet adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove RankBet ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove RankBet adware using Combo Cleaner:
RankBet adware removal:
Remove RankBet-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software usually has data tracking functionalities - hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat. Furthermore, adware-delivered ads promote harmful content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware displays advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also cause redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, etc. The developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove RankBet adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed - various components (files) remain within the system. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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