MacDefender Malware Problem: How To Avoid Or Remove It?

Recently Mac users were affected by a phishing scam that redirected the users to illegitimate websites that told them their computer is infected by a virus. The user was then offered Mac Defender anti-virus software to solve the issue. As many have noticed, this anti-virus is a malware that is targeted at attaining the user's personal credit card information. The names of the anti-virus software include: MacDefender, MacProtector and MacSecurity.

#-Link-Snipped-#

Apple will be soon bringing out a  Mac OS X software update that will automatically find and remove Mac Defender Malware and other softwares similar to it.

Meanwhile, you can follow the process mentioned below to avoid or manually remove this malware.

To Avoid:

1. If you get notifications about the anti-virus software, simply close your browser. If that doesn't work force quit your browser.

2. If your browser automatically downloads and launches the installer, cancel the installation process.
  • Go into the Downloads folder or your preferred download location.
  • Drag the installer to the Trash.
  • Empty the Trash.
To Remove:

1. Move or close the Scan Window.

2. Go to the Utilities folder in the Applications folder and launch Activity Monitor.

3. Choose All Processes from the pop up menu in the upper right corner of the window

4. Under the Process Name column, look for the name of the app and click to select it.

5. Click the Quit Process button in the upper left corner of the window and select Quit.

6. Quit Activity Monitor application.

7. Open the Applications folder and locate the app ex. MacDefender, MacSecurity, MacProtector or other name.

8. Drag to Trash, and empty Trash

That's about it.

This Malware is an indication that criminals are eyeingg the Mac Platform for the fraudulent attacks. Is it time that Apple users avoid ignorance and give special importance to the security of their Macs?

Image Credit: #-Link-Snipped-#

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