Removal instructions for VideoProgramRanking adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is VideoProgramRanking?
VideoProgramRanking is a piece of rogue software that we discovered while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After inspecting this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). VideoProgramRanking is part of the AdLoad malware family.
VideoProgramRanking adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It enables the placement of ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, etc.) on various interfaces.
These advertisements endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products and services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, such as an incompatible browser/system, particular websites not visited, and so on. However, regardless of whether VideoProgramRanking displays adverts – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety.
AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking abilities, although we did not observe these functionalities while analyzing VideoProgramRanking.
Adware typically collects sensitive user information, and this might apply to VideoProgramRanking. Data of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. The gathered data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, advertising-supported software like VideoProgramRanking can cause infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by VideoProgramRanking |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchp), 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. |
Adware examples
RepairEnumerator, NodeZipArray, and NetworkOptimizer are a couple examples of adware-type apps we have examined recently.
Advertising-supported software tends to appear genuine and harmless. It entices users into download/installation by promising a wide variety of useful functionalities. However, these features are usually nonoperational.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did VideoProgramRanking install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Most visitors to these pages access them via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring times, skipping sections, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Intrusive adverts proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep encountering adverts/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with VideoProgramRanking, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once VideoProgramRanking adware's installation is over:
VideoProgramRanking 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
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Quick menu:
- What is VideoProgramRanking?
- STEP 1. Remove VideoProgramRanking related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove VideoProgramRanking ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove VideoProgramRanking adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove VideoProgramRanking ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove VideoProgramRanking adware using Combo Cleaner:
VideoProgramRanking adware removal:
Remove VideoProgramRanking-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 displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). It can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, advertising-supported software is classified as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by promoting a wide variety of content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove VideoProgramRanking adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) remain hidden within the system. The remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, adware must be removed thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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