But a new fake AV program is on the go, called MAC Defender. The technical term for this type of program is 'SCAREWARE'.
MAC Defender works by installing a file on your computer when you are browsing, resulting in pop-ups telling you that your computer in infection with multiple viruses.
It then urges you to instal their antivirus program, promising to clean your computer up.
DO NOT INSTAL if you get this message.
MAC Defender is a SCAM!
How to get Rid of MAC Defender warning messages
Go into safe mode.
To go into safe mode with Mac OS X 10.3, Mac OS X 10.2, Mac OS X 10.4,Mac OS X 10.6, Mac OS X 10.5
- Be sure your Mac is shut down.
- Press the power button.
- Immediately after you hear the startup tone, hold the Shift key. The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone, but not before the tone.
- Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple icon and the progress indicator (looks like a spinning gear).
During startup in Mac OS X v10.4 or later, you will see "Safe Boot" on the login window, which appears even if you normally log in automatically. During startup in Mac OS X v10.2 through v10.3.9, you will see "Safe Boot" on the Mac OS X startup screen.
To leave Safe Mode, restart the computer normally, without holding any keys during startup.
Then go into the Applications Folder > Choose MacDefender.app > Move to Trash. (in Safe Mode)
Reboot normally and reset Safari.
If, however, you have already installed the program -
- Open Activity Monitor and quit the application process.
- Then remove the download file from your downloads folder.
- Afterwards, open Safari and select Reset Safari.
- Finally, go to Finder and select your home folder.
- You should now select Library, Caches. Select all Cache files (command then A), and move all files to the trash.
- Empty the trash and restart your Mac.
Another thing you can do is instal Sophos AV for MAC and that will take care of Mac Defender for you. Sophos is free for MAC Home Edition users.
