A phishing scam has targeted Mac users by redirecting them from legitimate websites to fake websites which tell them that their computer is infected with a virus. The user is then offered Mac Defender 'anti-virus' software to solve the issue. This “anti-virus” software is malware (i.e. malicious software). Its ultimate goal is to get the user's credit card information which may be used for fraudulent purposes. The most common names for this malware are MacDefender, MacProtector and MacSecurity.
Apple released a free software update (Security Update 2011-003) that will automatically find and remove Mac Defender malware and its known variants. The Resolution section below also provides step-by-step instructions on how to avoid or manually remove this malware.
Protect your Mac from malware. MacOS has many features that help protect your Mac and your personal information from malicious software, or malware. One common way malware is distributed is by embedding it in a harmless-looking app. You can reduce this risk.
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Deep Scan: Scan all the files and folders in your Mac to make sure you have ultimate protection against malware. Quick Scan: This scans only the most vulnerable areas on your Mac and notifies you about them. Scheduled Scan: In case you are willing to run a scan periodically, then this option will come handy to you.All you have to do is set date, time and type of scan and the rest will be. While malware on the Mac is rare, it does crop up, as we've demonstrated. Having the right tools to get rid of malware can be an important part of keeping your Mac safe and secure. There are a number of tools that you can choose from, including popular programs like BitDefender and Kaspersky, that will help you keep malware from infecting your Mac.
My recommendation would be to follow the developers instructions for uninstalling both and uninstall them. Easy interior design software, free download. OS X does NOT require third party antivirus, cleaning or other 'maintenance' utilities to run well. There are no viruses for OS X and very little malware, for the small amount of malware out there please use a little common sense meaning. Tags: apple virus scan, can a mac get a virus, how do you know if your mac is infected with a virus, how to check for malware on mac, how to remove virus from mac, i think my macbook air has a virus, malwarebytes for mac, scan mac for malware, signs mac has a virus, Telltale signs your MacBook Air has a virus, What to do if you think your.
How to avoid installing this malware
If any notifications about viruses or security software appear, quit Safari or any other browser that you are using. If a normal attempt at quitting the browser doesn’t work, then Force Quit the browser.
In some cases, your browser may automatically download and launch the installer for this malicious software. If this happens, cancel the installation process; do not enter your administrator password. Delete the installer immediately using the steps below.
Go into the Downloads folder, or your preferred download location.
If the malware has been installed, we recommend the following actions:
Do not provide your credit card information under any circumstances.
Use the Removal Steps below.
Removal steps
Move or close the Scan Window.
Go to the Utilities folder in the Applications folder and launch Activity Monitor.
Choose All Processes from the pop up menu in the upper right corner of the window.
Under the Process Name column, look for the name of the app and click to select it; common app names include: MacDefender, MacSecurity or MacProtector.
Click the Quit Process button in the upper left corner of the window and select Quit.
Quit Activity Monitor application.
Open the Applications folder.
Locate the app ex. MacDefender, MacSecurity, MacProtector or other name.
Drag to Trash, and empty Trash.
Malware also installs a login item in your account in System Preferences. Removal of the login item is not necessary, but you can remove it by following the steps below.
Open System Preferences, select Accounts, then Login Items
Select the name of the app you removed in the steps above ex. MacDefender, MacSecurity, MacProtector
Click the minus button
How To Scan Your Macbook Pro For Viruses Without
Use the steps in the “How to avoid installing this malware” section above to remove the installer from the download location.
How To Scan For Viruses On A Mac - Quora
Note: Apple provides security updates for the Mac exclusively through Software Update and the Apple Support Downloads site. User should exercise caution any time they are asked to enter sensitive personal information online.