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How to remove ContentRanger adware-type app from the operating system

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

What kind of application is ContentRanger?

Our research team discovered the ContentRanger application during a routine investigation of new submissions to the VirusTotal site. After analyzing this app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family.

ContentRanger adware

ContentRanger adware overview

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and potentially malicious ads. This software enables the placement of advertisements on various interfaces, e.g., visited webpages, desktops, or others.

Adware-delivered adverts primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Note that while genuine products and services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by their 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 acquire illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software may need certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific websites, etc.). Regardless of whether ContentRanger displays adverts – its presence remains a threat.

It is pertinent to mention that AdLoad applications commonly have browser hijacker abilities, although ContentRanger did not exhibit these functionalities during testing.

Furthermore, adware usually gathers private data, and this might apply to ContentRanger. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can then be monetized through sale to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like ContentRanger on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ContentRanger
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Adload-CA [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-type apps; ExplorationSprintManagerUnitAssuranceForcast, EnhancementLaptop, and IndexerHardDisk are merely some examples.

Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into downloading/installing this software by promises of various "handy" functionalities. However, these functions are rarely operational. Keep in mind that functional features are not a guarantee of an application's legitimacy or safety.

How did ContentRanger install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with ordinary software. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Additionally, adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users access these pages via redirects generated by websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Intrusive advertisements also spread advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).

Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – yet they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, scam-promoting, etc.).

Should you continuously encounter ads and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ContentRanger, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once ContentRanger installation is complete

ContentRanger adware's installation folder:

ContentRanger 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 ContentRanger adware using Combo Cleaner:

ContentRanger adware removal:

Remove ContentRanger-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 can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It delivers ads that promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, this software is classed as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open sites and collect sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit mainly via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, and so on.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ContentRanger adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause problems. 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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