Understanding Malware and Mac Security
Malware, short for “malicious software”, is a fact of life on the Internet. It can come in any form including viruses, trojans and phishing scams.
One malware scam is specifically targeting Mac users. Hiding behind names like Mac Defender, Mac Protector or Mac Security, this phishing scam convinces people to download harmful software.
One malware scam is specifically targeting Mac users. Hiding behind names like Mac Defender, Mac Protector or Mac Security, this phishing scam convinces people to download harmful software.
How is this scam different than a traditional virus? Viruses can install themselves, run automatically and secretly spread to other computers. Mac OS 10 is essentially virus proof since programs cannot self-install on a Mac without a user name and password.
Phishing scams like Mac Defender are different. They convince people to download a program, enter their user name and password, and even provide credit card information.
These scams are quite convincing. If you click on an infected website, a pop-up window will warn you that your computer has been infected with a virus and the only way to remove it is to install MacDefender, MacProtector or MacSecurity. You could even be asked for a credit card number to purchase the bogus antivirus software.
Your first line of defense is simple. Ignore all messages about viruses or security software. Immediately close your web browser. Use the Force Quit command under the main Apple menu if necessary.
What if you have already installed one of these malicious programs? You can follow Apple’s removal instructions or contact Cranston IT and we can remove it for you. Most importantly, if you entered credit card information for an offer like this, contact your credit card provider immediately.
Apple does have basic malware protection built into the Mac 10.6 operating system and they are working on a software update that will automatically find and remove these types of threats.
Legitimate third-party malware software also exists, but we don’t necessarily recommend them. They constantly scan your hard drive, so they also significantly slow your computer’s performance. And they’re not foolproof, often missing the newest threats. If malware protection is absolutely necessary for you, we recommend you choose a trusted source like Sophos.
Since hackers create new threats every day, malware will always be a problem. Always check that everything you download is legitimate. If you’re not sure about a download, ask someone you trust first.
Computer security is one of Cranston IT’s top priorities. We want to ensure the safety of both your computer and your data. If you have any questions about malware or any other security threat, please give us a call.
Phishing scams like Mac Defender are different. They convince people to download a program, enter their user name and password, and even provide credit card information.
These scams are quite convincing. If you click on an infected website, a pop-up window will warn you that your computer has been infected with a virus and the only way to remove it is to install MacDefender, MacProtector or MacSecurity. You could even be asked for a credit card number to purchase the bogus antivirus software.
Your first line of defense is simple. Ignore all messages about viruses or security software. Immediately close your web browser. Use the Force Quit command under the main Apple menu if necessary.
What if you have already installed one of these malicious programs? You can follow Apple’s removal instructions or contact Cranston IT and we can remove it for you. Most importantly, if you entered credit card information for an offer like this, contact your credit card provider immediately.
Apple does have basic malware protection built into the Mac 10.6 operating system and they are working on a software update that will automatically find and remove these types of threats.
Legitimate third-party malware software also exists, but we don’t necessarily recommend them. They constantly scan your hard drive, so they also significantly slow your computer’s performance. And they’re not foolproof, often missing the newest threats. If malware protection is absolutely necessary for you, we recommend you choose a trusted source like Sophos.
Since hackers create new threats every day, malware will always be a problem. Always check that everything you download is legitimate. If you’re not sure about a download, ask someone you trust first.
Computer security is one of Cranston IT’s top priorities. We want to ensure the safety of both your computer and your data. If you have any questions about malware or any other security threat, please give us a call.