Malware Warnings
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Fake security software takes aim at Mac users |
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'Rogueware' plague expands from Windows to Mac OS, tries to dupe Apple users into paying $60-$80 for a worthless "cure". Recently a new series of Trojan horse attempts have targeted OS X users with downloadable malware applications that try to lure you to providing personal information, and with malicious Web sites that trick you into downloading malware onto your systems. |
Links to Mac Malware and Virus Sources • Mac Malware and Virus Sources.pdf |
Jerry's CMoM Yahoo site has vital information! Click here: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ClubMacMonterey/messages
Click here: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ClubMacMonterey/messages 420 Securing your Mac from the new MacGuard malware variant 422 Apple offers MacDefender malware removal instructions 423 UGNN - Apple Malware: How bad is it? 426 Apple's new malware security offers daily definitions updates 427 Apple's malware detection update circumvented in 8 hours 428 Re: Apple's malware detection update circumvented in 8 hours 429 Apple quashes latest version of MacDefender 430 OS X 10.6 showing high CPU usage after Security Update 431 Bug in System Preferences Security Pane ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The security update is for Apple's "Xprotect" malware detection technology. This was introduced in OS X 10.6 so users of OS X 10.4 and 10.5 will not benefit from the update (and will not be able to install it). Users of both OS X 10.4 and 10.5 will need to use a third-party scanner to detect the malware, or use a manual method for removing the malware. -Topher |
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20067942-263.html Apple's malware detection update circumvented in 8 hours June 1, 2011 9:08 AM PDT by Topher Kessler Let the cat and mouse games commence. Less than a day after Apple tackled the malware threats in OS X with an updated implementation of its malware detection technologies, the MacDefender malware developers have issued another variant that bypasses Apple's definitions to root out and remove the malware. http://news.cnet.com/8301-27076_3-20067694-248.html Apple security update targets MacDefender malware Security Update 2011-003, which went out to Mac OS 10.6 Snow Leopard users this afternoon, adds file quarantine and built-in removal of the MacDefender malware. |
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4650 How to avoid or remove Mac Defender malware A recent 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. The Resolution section below provides step-by-step instructions on how to avoid or manually remove this malware. Products Affected Mac OS X 10.4, Mac OS X 10.6, Mac OS X 10.5 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 these steps: (1) Go into the Downloads folder or your preferred download location. (2) Drag the installer to the Trash. (3) 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 listed on the Apple support website. |
User Group Network News, Views, Reviews http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-20064394-245.html http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-mac-protector Remove Mac Protector (Uninstall Guide) You can thank George Engel, LaMUG, for this one! George writes: Step-by-step process on how to remove “Mac Protector” infection, with pictures. If you don’t need it yet, store this file somewhere for future use, or for a friend. Open Safari, and go to this web-site. READ THIS REPORT |
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20063683-263.html#ixzz1MgMMuXlW How to protect your Mac from recent malware What the recent malware does: If you have seen the false "Apple Security Center" Web site and have clicked on the "Remove All" button, the site will download an installer file for malware that runs locally on your system. The program is distributed in several forms that so far have taken the names "Mac Defender," "Mac Security," and "Mac Protector." When installed it will run in the background and launch pornographic Web sites and other unwanted content, and show a fairly clean and crisp-looking scanner interface that will ask you to purchase an upgrade. Removing it! 1. Shut it down 2. Remove the program 3. Remove reference to the program Ongoing protection: 1. Disable auto-handling of files 2. Always manually install programs or open documents 3. Install a reputable malware scanner. There are a number of reputable malware scanners out there, so purchase one, install it, and keep it updated with the latest malware definitions. Some of these scanners are free, and others are commercial products (this list is not complete): |
