Security analysis firm CheckPoint Software Technologies spotted a new OS X malware at the end of April 2017. Apple rushed to block it. Users prefer the Linux OS because it is a stable OS free from malware and virus infections, which takes away the fear of having to reinstall the OS due to regular malware invasion. Besides, Linux is an open-source OS; hence, users are free to modify its features based on preference, Features of the Linux OS.
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'Your Mac Is Infected With 3 Viruses' is a fake error message similar to Please Call Apple Support, Bankworm Virus, We Have Detected A Trojan Virus, and many others. It is displayed by malicious sites that users often visit inadvertently (they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs [PUPs] or intrusive advertisements delivered by other deceptive sites). Research shows that potentially unwanted programs typically infiltrate the system without permission and, as well as causing redirects, deliver intrusive advertisements and gather sensitive information.
This error states that the computer is infected with a number of viruses and encourages users to immediately scan the system. Be aware, however, that this is a scam - 'Your Mac Is Infected With 3 Viruses' error is fake. Cyber criminals employ this scam model to proliferate fake system optimization/anti-virus tools. Users are encouraged to download software that will 'remove' allegedly existing viruses, however, these applications are typically designed to display long lists of infections that do not exist. Furthermore, 'free versions' of these apps are supposedly incapable of removing the listed infections. Therefore, users are encouraged to purchase the 'full version'. This error is fake and you should never download any promoted software. If you have already done so, delete it immediately and certainly do not purchase any full version. The 'Your Mac Is Infected With 3 Viruses' error can be removed simply by closing the web browser, however, some rogue sites employ scripts that prevent users from closing browsing tabs/windows. In these cases, terminate the browser using Task Manager or simply reboot the system. The next time the browser is opened, do not restore the previous session, otherwise you will end up reopening the malicious site/s.
Potentially unwanted programs deliver various intrusive advertisements, such as coupons, banners, pop-ups, and so on. These ads are delivered using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any visited website. Therefore, they often conceal underlying content, significantly diminishing the web browsing experience. Furthermore, intrusive ads can lead to malicious websites and even execute scripts that stealthily download and install malware/PUPs. Therefore, even a single click can result in high-risk computer infections. Another important issue is data tracking. Research shows that potentially unwanted programs gather information such as IP addresses, websites visited, pages viewed, search queries, keystrokes, and so on. The data often includes personal details that developers sell to third parties. These people (potentially, cyber criminals) misuse private information to generate revenue. Therefore, data tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. For these reasons, potentially unwanted programs must be uninstalled immediately.
Name | 'Your Mac Is Infected With 3 Viruses' virus |
Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus |
Symptoms | Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information. |
Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
As mentioned above, 'Your Mac Is Infected With 3 Viruses' shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors. All state that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files, and so on), however, these claims are merely attempts to scare and trick users into calling fake 'tech support' (and pay for unnecessary services) or using deceptive applications. Potentially unwanted programs also share many similarities. By offering 'useful features', PUPs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, these applications are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than delivering any real value for regular users, PUPs cause unwanted redirects, gather sensitive data, and deliver intrusive advertisements, thereby posing a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
Some PUPs have official download websites, however, in most cases these programs infiltrate systems without consent, since developers proliferate them using intrusive advertisements and the 'bundling' method (stealth installation of third party applications together with regular software/apps). Developers do not disclose 'bundled' PUP installations properly - they hide them within 'Custom/Advanced' settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. In addition, many users rush these procedures, skip steps, and click advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
Lack of knowledge and careless behavior are the main reasons for computer infections. The key to safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Be aware that intrusive advertisements may seem legitimate and useful, but once clicked, redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other similar dubious websites. If you encounter such ads, immediately eliminate all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, select 'Custom/Advanced' settings and closely analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs. Opt-out of all additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them. Software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party download/installation tools often include rogue applications, and thus should never be used.
'Your Mac Is Infected With 3 Viruses' fake error text:
Your system is infected with 3 viruses!
Your Mac is infected with 3 viruses. Our security check found traces of 2 malware and 1 phishing/spyware. System damage: 28.1% - immediate removal required!
The immediate removal of the viruses is required to prevent further system damage, loss of Apps, Photos or other files. Traces of 1 phishing/spyware were found on your Mac with OS X High Sierra. Personal and banking information are at risk.
To avoid more damage click on 'Scan Now' immediately. Our deep scan will provide help immediately!
Appearance of 'Your Mac is infected with 3 viruses' pop-up scam, at the time of research this campaign was promoting Mac Tweak Pro, and Mac Mechanic unwanted applications:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for MacBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Remove PUP-related potentially unwanted applications from your 'Applications' folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select “Applications”. In the applications folder, look for “MPlayerX”,“NicePlayer”, or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder..
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents
In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder:
In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/Application Support
In the “Application Support” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, “MplayerX” or “NicePlayer”, and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware-generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents
Wcasino online casino. In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder:
In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons
In the “LaunchDaemons” folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”, 'com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure your system is not infected run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file double click combocleaner.dmg installer, in the opened window drag and drop Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates it's virus definition database and click 'Start Combo Scan' button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays 'no threats found' - this means that you can continue with the removal guide, otherwise it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove 'your mac is infected with 3 viruses' virus related Safari extensions:
Open Safari browser, from the menu bar, select 'Safari' and click 'Preferences..'.
In the preferences window, select 'Extensions' and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the 'Uninstall' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
Remove 'your mac is infected with 3 viruses' virus related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the 'Open Menu' (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose 'Add-ons'. Game rockman x7 full crack.
Choose the 'Extensions' tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Remove' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
Remove 'your mac is infected with 3 viruses' virus related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the 'Chrome menu' (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose 'More Tools' and select 'Extensions'.
In the 'Extensions' window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Trash' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
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With today's cyber-threats and focus on computer security, it's no surprise that many people are ditching their Windows PCs for Macs running OS X. Even Apple's 'Get a Mac' ads highlight the security issues that plague Windows. The requirement to protect Windows installations from viruses, spyware and malware, have prompted many to make the switch.
No viruses for Mac OS X
It's well known that there are no known viruses for the Mac OS X operating system despite it being on the market for over seven years. As of this writing, Mac OS X is virus-free. There have been some attempted exploits in the past but those relied on social engineering. A prime example was the trojan in 2006. It required several actions to be undertaken by the user in order for the trojan to propagate. Viruses on the other hand accomplish their work without the end user knowing.
At a very high level, I'll highlight the two most common reasons I've come across that are used by those who attempt to explain that no viruses exist for Mac OS X.
Reason 1 - small market share
Some people say the reason no viruses exist for Macs is that it's not worth the time for writers to focus on creating viruses for the Mac OS X operating system because of its market share. There's no doubt that Mac OS X has a significantly smaller market share than Windows. A common argument is that writers would rather focus on creating viruses and malware for Windows.
Reason 2 - Mac OS X is a modern operating system
Some will say that OS X is a modern operating system that is built on a secure UNIX foundation. It is also argued that Apple has taken a big picture approach to security as it applies to operating system design and implementation. The fact that Mac OS X was created after the Internet gives it a more secure architecture that makes it less susceptible to unauthorized access and malicious attacks.
Apple's stance on virus protection
Apple as early as this year encouraged Mac users to install virus and security software on Macs. Note that the page on which the recommendation was made no longer exists on Apple's web site but it can be viewed at the Internet archive here.
What's your take?
The goal here is to not give my opinion but open it up to readers so that they can have their say. Also, do you think Mac users should run security software? Simply post your response or feedback in the comments section below.
Note that a more recent trend over the past few years is for attackers to exploit the software installed on an operating system and not necessarily the operating system itself.
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