A 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.
Apple released a free software update (Security Update 2011-003) that will automatically find and remove Mac Defender malware and its known variants.
The Resolution section below also provides step-by-step instructions on how to avoid or manually remove this malware.
If you are using an Apple computer running Mac OS, then use the following tutorial How to remove browser hijacker, pop-ups, advertisements from Mac To remove Search.xyz, complete the following steps: How to remove Search.xyz without any software. Users got infected by Extrasafe.xyz POP-UP virus usually will get endless popup whenever surf the Internet. Extrasafe.xyz POP-UP is connected with remote malware server, thus it will keep sending all kinds of infections including Adware, Hijacker, Rogueware and Spyware to. What is Fxsmash.xyz? According to security researchers, Fxsmash.xyz is a fake search engine that is promoted by PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) that belongs to the group of browser hijackers. The aim of a browser hijacker is to make advertising profit. For example, a browser hijacker redirects the user's homepage to the browser hijacker's page that. Cybersearch.xyz is a nasty browser hijacker that affects the majority of popular browsers in Mac environment – Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Safari. The hijacker works through a special extension that can be added to the browser.
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. Jackpot luck casino. If this happens, cancel the installation process; do not enter your administrator password. Delete the installer immediately using the steps below.
How to remove this malware
If the malware has been installed, we recommend the following actions:
Removal stepshttps://industrialslotsplayslotmachineforaysjfreegames.peatix.com.
Malware also installs a login item in your account in System Preferences. Removal of the login item is not necessary, but you can remove it by following the steps below.
Use the steps in the “How to avoid installing this malware” section above to remove the installer from the download location.
Note: Apple provides security updates for the Mac exclusively through Software Update and the Apple Support Downloads site. User should exercise caution any time they are asked to enter sensitive personal information online.
Many deceptive websites display fake pop-up messages and trick visitors into downloading and installing dubious applications. They often display an identical pop-up window and message. This web page is one example and is used to distribute Smart Mac Booster, however, it might also be used to promote other, similar applications. Typically, visitors are encouraged to install the app and use it for removal of detected malware. We advise against downloading or installing apps that are advertised though websites of this type. Browsers often open these sites due to potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) installed on them.
Once opened, this deceptive site displays a pop-up window with a notification stating that the MacOS might be infected. To begin the repair process, visitors are urged to click the 'OK' button. The main page states that the operating system (in this case, MacOS High Sierra) is infected with three viruses. To avoid further system damage (loss of photos, apps, and other data), visitors are encouraged to remove the viruses immediately. It is also mentioned that banking information is at risk. Visitors are supposedly able to remove detected malware after scanning their systems by clicking the 'Scan Now' button. This web page runs a fake scanner, which detects certain malicious software and then offers to remove it by downloading the maccleaner.pkg file, which it uses to install the Smart Mac Booster app. In fact, this web page might also be used to promote other dubious apps. Some examples of apps of this kind are Mac Clean Pro, Advanced Mac Booster, and Qbit Mac Speedup. In any case, do not download or install any apps that are distributed through dubious sites such as this.
Apps that force browsers to open deceptive and untrustworthy websites often gather information relating to users and display unwanted ads. They record details such as IP addresses, geolocations, addresses of visited websites, entered search queries, etc. Some PUAs might be designed to collect personal information. Typically, developers share the details with third parties who misuse them to generate revenue. Furthermore, these apps might serve coupons, surveys, banners, pop-ups, and other intrusive, unwanted ads. These usually conceal underlying content of visited websites. Furthermore, people who click them are redirected to dubious web pages, or they cause download/installation of unwanted applications.
Name | Your Mac OS might be infected pop-up |
Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus. |
Fake Claim | According to the message on this deceptive web page, the user's operating system is infected with three viruses. |
Promoted Unwanted Application | Smart Mac Booster |
Related Domains | Full list below. |
Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious 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. |
'Your Mac OS Might Be Infected' is a message that is displayed in pop-up windows on many deceptive web pages, which are used to trick visitors into downloading and installing untrustworthy software. Other examples of similar sites are Mondaysunday, apple.com-guard-device[.]live, and apple.com-optimize-mac[.]live. We recommend that you ignore these websites and never download anything from them. PUAs (apps that force browsers to open the web pages) are usually advertised as 'useful applications', however, most are useless and cause only problems. People who have them installed on their systems risk problems with browsing safety, privacy, or they might even have their identities stolen.
People often cause download/installation of PUAs unintentionally. This happens when they click deceptive ads that execute scripts designed to cause unwanted downloads/installations, or when developers use a deceptive marketing method called 'bundling'. When they distribute PUAs using this method, they include unwanted apps into the set-ups of other software. They hide offers to download or install additional apps in 'Custom', 'Advanced', 'Manual', and other similar settings. In many cases, people cause installation/downloads of various unwanted apps simply by leaving all available settings unchecked and unchanged.
Do not download or install programs using third party downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule, untrustworthy (unofficial) websites, and so on. The best way is to use official websites and direct download links. Check 'Advanced', 'Custom' and other settings of any download or installation setup and deselect offers to download or install unwanted applications. Do not click intrusive advertisements, since these can redirect to untrustworthy websites or lead to unwanted downloads/installations. If the browser causes unwanted redirects or displays ads, check for unwanted extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons installed on it. Also check the list of installed programs on the computer. Remove all unwanted, suspicious software immediately. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Text in a pop-up:
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED !
You Mac OS might be infected.
Press OK to begin the repair process.
Screenshot of the main web page:
Text in this web page:
Your OS High Sierra is infected with (3) viruses!
Your OS High Sierra 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 OS High Sierra with.
Personal and banking information are at risk.
To avoid more damage click on 'Scan Now' immediately. Our deep scan will provide help immediately!
4 minutes and seconds 38 remaining before damage is permanent. Scan Now
Appearance of 'Your Mac OS Might Be Infected' scam (GIF):
List of websites related to this pop-up scam:
lp.bitscleanutils[.]xyz | lp.macsmart-faster[.]top | lp.onemacutils[.]club |
lp.bitsspeeduptools[.]xyz | lp.macsmart-optimize[.]club | lp.qbitautofixclean[.]xyz |
lp.fastmactools[.]xyz | lp.macsmart-optimize[.]top | lp.qbitspeednow[.]club |
lp.highmactools[.]club | lp.macsmart-smartbooster[.]club | lp.qbitspeedyutil[.]club |
lp.macapps-center[.]club | lp.macsmart-secure[.]club | lp.smartmacutils.info |
lp.macapps-centers[.]club | lp.macutils[.]club | lp.speedytools[.]club |
lp.macapps-optimize[.]club | lp.mbitmacclean[.]live | lp.speedyutils[.]live |
lp.macsmart-boost[.]club | lp.mbitmacfast[.]xyz | lp.sysbitstools[.]xyz |
lp.macsmart-center[.]club | lp.mbitmacspeed[.]live | lp.tunesysbooster[.]xyz |
lp.macsmart-cleanupc[.]club | lp.mbitmacutils[.]xyz | smartmacutils[.]co |
lp.macsmart-faster[.]club | lp.newmactools[.]live | smartmacutils[.]net |
Smart Mac Booster installer:
Smart Mac Booster application:
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 potentially unwanted applications from your 'Applications' folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select 'Applications'. In the applications folder, look for 'MPlayerX', 'NicePlayerPokemon tcg download. ', 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
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 os might be infected pop-up 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 os might be infected pop-up 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'.
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 os might be infected pop-up 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.