How to Avoid Fake Virus Scan Malware (Mac Defender)

Screenshot of Mac Defender. Fake.

Mac Defender (also called Mac Protector, Mac Security, or other names) is a fake "virus scan" that can appear without warning while you use the web. It is hidden inside web advertising and search engine results that have been contaminated by search engine optimization (SEO) poisoning. It takes over a window in your web browser and plays animation that resembles a virus scan. This fake scan falsely reports that your computer is infected. It then asks you to buy an antivirus program. If you refuse, it may display several pop-up ads containing annoying or offensive content, to make it seem as though your computer is infected. It may also cause a program to be downloaded without your permission that asks you to type your administrator password to install it.

Mac Defender and its variants are fake programs designed to fraudulently induce you to provide personal and credit card information. They should not be installed. Because they use pop-up traps to make it difficult to leave the web pages they appear on, the most effective way to stop them from proceeding is to quit your web browser.

Apple released Security Update 2011-003 for Mac OS X 10.6.7 to detect and remove known variants of Mac Defender malware.

  • Read Apple's support document about Mac Defender here.
  • Download Security Update 2011-003 for Mac OS X 10.6.7 here.

Don't Get Scammed Online

Illustration of suspicious Web sites

When you shop at Mac Pros, you're face-to-face with live human beings who have been authorized by Apple to sell Apple products from the same storefront location for years. As Apple products become more popular, they attract more interest from "businesspeople" who want to make a quick buck off something hot rather than serve customers long-term. Web sites offering unusually good deals on iPods and Macs should be viewed with suspicion because they probably have no relationship with Apple. Some Web sites copy the look of legitimate online stores but are nothing but scams to commit credit card fraud or identity theft. Apple-authorized resellers don't compete on the price of Apple products, but on the value we add and the services we provide.

  • Read comments about a "shady" iPod deal found online. Note: the following link goes to a bulletin board not affiliated with Mac Pros. Click to proceed.

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