Malware attack specifically targets Mac users

Webmaster Discussion
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#1

It’s not so rosy in StevesVille

http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/05/02/6570126-malware-attack-specifically-targets-mac-users

#2

Re: Malware attack specifically targets Mac users

Well.

I actually got a virus on my PC a few years ago that was vicious as fuck. It’s goal was obviously to have me fork over money for some antivirus program. Even when I went to norton’s and mcafee’s website it took over. And all the while it was opening window after window. Removing that son of a bitch was not easy. So, this is what Mac users face -

Part of the reason many are being easily infected by the malware is that Safari — the default browser in Mac OS — can be set to automatically open trusted software. This means that users are getting infected without even a hint of what’s happening until the malicious app demands payment for “protection” like a digital mob boss.

The good news? So far it doesn’t appear that the malicious MacDefender app does much, other than attempt to scare people into forking over their credit card numbers. It can even be easily removed:

    To ensure you do not automatically download the app, uncheck the following: Safari > Preferences > General > uncheck "Open 'safe' files after downloading."
    Searching for the application and deleting it directly may fail, saying the app is in use. To stop it running, check Activity Monitor (in Applications > Utilities) and disable anything that relates to MacDefender.
    Look in /Library/StartupItems and, same place, LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons for references to the malware app.
    Once quit, head to the Applications folder and drag the MacDefender app to the trash, then delete trash.
    To ensure all references to the app are cleared, run a search using Spotlight and delete all MacDefender references you find.

I don’t allow Safari or any browser to open “trusted applications.” And as far as the damage that it does, not much compared to that last fucker I got. As for removing it from one’s computer. Pretty easy to do or just take your laptop to an Apple store and they will do it while you wait.

#3

Re: Malware attack specifically targets Mac users

This is one reason why I like Macs -

The removal of the app is somewhat easier than on Windows, mainly thanks to the security of the Mac OS X operating system. The malware looks to proliferating off the back of attacks on websites that are serving images on Google Images – it is recommended that you browse safely, utilising other image searches for the time being.

http://thenextweb.com/apple/2011/05/02/bogus-macdefender-malware-campaign-targets-mac-users-using-google-images/

It’s also the reason that after five years I haven’t installed and anti-virus program or had to defragment my hd.