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.
How To Check Your Mac For Viruses 2020
Stopping a virus altogether involves searching your Mac pretty thoroughly to ensure all traces of the virus are gone. You should use malware-scanning software to help identify and eliminate viruses. If you think that your Mac has a virus, the quickest way to verify it is by scanning the computer with the Malwarebytes for Mac program. Download a free version of Malwarebytes, and it will fully scan your Mac for malware in less than a minute. Myth About Macs Being Free From Viruses. The myth that Macs are protected from viruses is just a myth. To start checking your Mac for viruses, click Add Folder and select the directories or individual files you want to check; you can also manually drag and drop the appropriate folders or files into the program area. Now click the Start button to begin the virus check. If you are online, Mac Cleaner will update the virus database each time you run a virus check. 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. Use An Antivirus Software. As indicated by the name, an antivirus program is a software design to.
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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.
- Drag the installer to the Trash.
- Empty the Trash.
How to remove this malware
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.
How To Check Mac For Viruses Free
How To Check Your Apple Mac For Viruses
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.
How To Check Mac For Viruses Free
How To Check Your Apple Mac For Viruses
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.
Choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for any disk that you plan to use as a Time Machine backup disk or as a bootable installer. Will you be using the disk with another Mac? If the other Mac isn't using macOS High Sierra or later, choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Earlier versions of macOS don't work with APFS-formatted volumes. EaseUS Mac Undelete is the most reliable Mac undelete software, it automatically scans your hard disk to recover deleted files in a fast and secure way. If the software cannot find your lost files, please try EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac to do the 'Deep Recovery' for 100% guarantee data recovery. Support Mac OS X 10.5, 10.6, 10.7 and 10.8; Follow these steps to undelete files on Mac OS – 1. Download & install File Uneraser and run it to unerase Mac files. On the main screen select 'Recover Files' option. Click 'Recover Deleted Files' option to unerase Mac files. Unerase for mac os.
How To Check A Mac For Viruses And Malware
- 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
Use the steps in the 'How to avoid installing this malware' section above to remove the installer from the download location.
How To Check For Virus On Mac
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.
