Today I got a popup on my MAC which loudly proclaimed that my computer was infected with viruses--Holy smoke, 42 of them. I shut the computer down after seeing that if I selected "Cleanup" I was going to be billed $59.95. Looks like a scam to me. Everything is working OK on the computer. Started it back up and got the warning and a scan was done. Hmmmm, now only 4 viruses. Again the cleanup message and again the bill. I did a google search and found a lot of recent messages about scam stuff on MACs. Anyone had a similar instance today??? :tb-confused::we2-policeman:
It's a scam. Those sites hit PCs, too. They try to trick you to run their clean-up thing but that's the actual virus. We had one hit a computer at work running Windows XP. They are hard to remove, and rather rare on Macs, but yeah, that sounds like one. If it is reducing any functionality it may need to be removed by a professional geek.
Fitz...since you area MAC guy, this may be something NEW to you. We PCs get this garbage all the time. Just as info, REAL software vendors DO NOT scan your computer, alert you, then "offer" to "FIX" it for you. The object of the exercise is usually to get you to allow(by Clicking/Selecting a Link) installation of malware that steals info from your machine, or allows the attacker to control/use your MAC for various nefarious activities. Your action was probably the right one - to disconnect, as quickly as possible, before clicking on ANYTHING is best...but I can't guarantee that nothing got planted in your MAC. If you are confident and knowledgeable - or have a friend with appropriate knowledge, try checking for "changes" in the computer's files at the time of the interruption...or consult a trusted professional to check your machine/software - and good luck. MACs used to be free from such social-engineering attention, 'cause the effort got much fewer victims. Times are changing, more MAC-OS stuff, more return for the bad guys. Check around for Anti-virus/malware programs (free or paid) for your own peace of mind, and be VERY LEERY of any such "solicitations" you receive...DON'T click on links in this type email - if you are curious, search the sender (Google, Yahoo, Your Fave?). Hope it's all OK. BTW: I am, in NO SENSE, an expert on ANY system...just a cautious PC bumbler...Bob C.
Hey, Fitz. I asked a Mac consultant friend of mine and he suggested this as a possibility for you: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4650 This is Apple's statement on this particular threat and how to remove it.
It has just occurred to me that this bug may be blocking this support site. If it is, let me know, and I will try to cut and paste the text or provide you with screen shots so you can see the content.
Thanks, guys. Chooch.42, thank you. I am very well aware of the scams on PC's, as I have owned several and actually fell for one of them, cost me 60 wasted bucks, and that is the main reason that I am now a MAC user. We have a local MAC dealer and he is well aware of this scam, gave me uninstall instructions and I just completed them. Worked great. This is the first instance I have seen on the MAC, and it used to call itself "Mac Defender," but is now "Mac Guard." If any of you Mac users see this, google search it and you will find the uninstall instructions. It is a miserable thing, it arbitrarily selects websites through Safari, the Mac internet software, and brings up porn or Viagara ad sites. Rotten stuff. Glad to be rid of it. :tb-sad:
This being a railroading forum, I initially thought you were talking about the SD70MAC and not the Apple computer.
Fitz, :thumbs_up: Glad to see you got hooked up with a remedy. I've been more lucky than smart...but haven't been often bothered with Firefox, Gmail, and Norton watching my back. As little as I know about PCs, MACs are even more mysterious. All the best. Bob C.
Thanks for the heads up. I just ran Software Updates on Monday and there were already 4 new ones including the security patch since then.
