The false perception that Mac OS X is relatively safer than Windows operating system has finally been shaken. Lately there are bus load of fake anti-virus malware that engages in phishing attempt on Mac OS X users. The working of fake anti-virus malware is similar to Windows version – the malware informs user that the Macintosh is infected with a virus, and then offers user a fake anti-virus software in the name of MacDefender, MacProtector and MacSecurity, etc.
The anti-virus program offered is actually fake and the offer is malicious in intent. The main aim of the malware is to steal user’s credit card information for fraudulent purposes. This type of phishing attempts have been very common on Windows platform, but has just recently been “ported” to Mac OS X platform, which, unfortunately, is vulnerable too.
After days in denial and blames users for not exercising caution when visiting unknown websites and downloading unsafe programs, Apple finally acknowledges the malware issue, and intends to release a Mac OS X software update that will automatically find and remove Mac Defender malware and its known variants. The update will also help protect users by providing an explicit warning if they download this malware.
While waiting for the update, Apple provides that a guideline on how to avoid or manually remove this malware.
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.
To Force Quit an application, choose Force Quit from the Apple menu (or press Command
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