How To Remove MapperRanking Adware On Mac (Simple Fix)

Online security is an ever-present concern for Mac users, especially with the increasing prevalence of threats like MapperRanking.

This deceptive program infiltrates your system, causing unwanted advertisements, pop-ups, and a slowdown in performance.

If you’ve noticed suspicious behavior on your Mac, it’s time to act. This guide will help you understand what MapperRanking is, how it affects your Mac, and the steps to remove it completely.

What is MapperRanking?

MapperRanking is a type of adware classified as an unwanted application (PUA).

It belongs to the AdLoad family, a notorious group of adware that targets macOS devices. While MapperRanking may masquerade as a legitimate application, its real purpose is far from helpful.

Once installed, it floods your browser with intrusive ads, pop-ups, and redirects, often leading to potentially harmful or malicious websites.

How Adware like MapperRanking spreads

Adware like MapperRanking commonly infiltrates systems through deceptive means such as:

• Clicking on misleading ads can initiate downloads.
• Visiting certain sites may lead to pop-ups asking you to enable notifications. Agreeing to these requests can open the door to unwanted apps.
• Free downloads often come with additional software, like MapperRanking, bundled in.
• Misleading notifications about software or browser updates can trick users into installing adware.

How MapperRanking affects your Mac

Once MapperRanking gains access to your Mac, it can cause a range of problems. Those can include:

1. Privacy concerns: MapperRanking can track your browsing activity, collect personal data, and share it with third parties. This compromises your privacy and can lead to targeted phishing attacks.
2. Performance issues: Adware consumes system resources, slowing down your Mac. You may notice longer loading times or frequent crashes.
3. Excessive ads: The program bombards your browser with intrusive ads, making web browsing frustrating and unsafe. These ads can lead to malicious sites that further jeopardize your security.
4. Security risks: By redirecting you to potentially harmful websites, MapperRanking increases the risk of downloading more malware or exposing your sensitive information.

How to remove MapperRanking adware on Mac

Follow these detailed steps to completely remove MapperRanking from your Mac and ensure your system is secure.

1. Remove the adware from Applications

The first step is to locate and delete the MapperRanking app from your system.

1. Open Finder and go to the Applications folder.
2. Look for suspicious or unfamiliar applications, including MapperRanking.
3. Right-click on the application and select Move to Trash.
4. Empty the Trash to ensure the app is permanently deleted.

2. Remove leftover files

MapperRanking often leaves behind residual files that can reinstall the program or cause further issues.

1. Open Finder and select Go from the top menu, then click Go to Folder.
2. Enter each of the following directories one by one and look for suspicious files:
   • /Library/LaunchAgents/
   • /Library/Application Support/
   • /Library/LaunchDaemons/
   • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
   • ~/Library/Application Support/
3. Delete files associated with MapperRanking or any other unknown files.
4. Empty your Trash.

3. Reset your browser settings

MapperRanking can modify browser settings, so it’s essential to reset your browser to its default state. Below are instructions for Safari, Chrome, and Firefox.

For Safari:

1. Open Safari and click Safari > Settings.
2. Go to the Extensions tab and remove unknown or suspicious extensions.
3. Navigate to the Privacy tab and click Manage Website Data to remove any suspicious data.
4. Reset homepage and search engine settings under the General tab.

For Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
2. Go to Settings > Extensions and remove unfamiliar extensions.
3. Navigate to Settings > Reset settings and click Restore settings to their original defaults.

For Firefox:

1. Open Firefox and click the menu icon in the top right corner.
2. Go to Add-ons and Themes > Extensions and remove suspicious extensions.
3. Navigate to Help > Troubleshooting Information and select Refresh Firefox.

4. Use SpyHunter for complete MapperRanking removal

Manual removal can be effective, but it’s not always thorough. To ensure MapperRanking is entirely removed, use a reliable anti-malware solution like SpyHunter.

1. Download SpyHunter for free hereDownload SpyHunter for free here and install it on your Mac.
2. Launch SpyHunter and run a full system scan to detect MapperRanking and other threats.
3. Once the scan is complete, examine the results window to make sure all threats are selected for removal.

4. Proceed to clean your system using the interface buttons.

Tips to prevent adware infections

To keep your Mac safe from threats like MapperRanking, adopt these proactive measures:

• Be cautious of downloads: Only download software from trusted sources.
• Avoid rogue ads and pop-ups: Do not click on suspicious ads or enable push notifications from untrusted sites.
• Use an anti-malware tool: Regularly scan your Mac with tools like SpyHunter to detect and remove potential threats.
• Keep your software updated: Ensure your operating system and all apps are up to date to close security loopholes.
• Read installation screens carefully: Decline unnecessary add-ons during software installations.