Mac Users "Dont Install MacDefender"

[Vince-Vell]

Ok Mac users first thing to do to protect yourselves is this.

Uncheck "Open 'safe' files after downloading" in Safari Prefs.


This is not a virus but a Trojan/malware app going around and its called MacDefender. If you are browsing the net and come across a program that opens up asking you to install MacDefender its a trojan. Only way that this trojan can get into your system is if you click the 4-5 steps of installing the program.

Apple is going to be releasing a software update for it soon, but make sure you guys do not install this program. Its acting like its a antivirus program you need to have on your make which is a lie.

Just giving you guys a head up, and the #1 rule is never ever install anything on your mac unless its a official program. IE: Acrobat, Quicktime etc... that you went to the official site, never go to a third party site to install a program.

Edit; also if you are browsing the net and something pops up saying your computer has been compromised its a fake. I never update my apple software when the window pops up on its own, i always close it and go to the apple icon top left and click the app thru that just to be sure.

[punisher129]

Thanks for the info :thumbs2:



---PUNISHER KILLS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE---

[HalJordanFan]

Thanks!

[AJRodriquez]

I was looking through some google images the other day and every time I clicked on a picture that macdefender tried downloading. I made sure to run a cleaner program after I threw that macdefender in the garbage. thanks for the info.

[joefixit2]

So are there starting to be more and more virus's for the Macs? I always thought that was a good selling feature is the lack of potential attacks.

[Primal]

I guess Macs aren't as immune to attack as we were lead to believe.

[Vince-Vell]

So are there starting to be more and more virus's for the Macs? I always thought that was a good selling feature is the lack of potential attacks.

Just to make sure its not a virus, its a trojan. Virus self replicates, this is a trojan you have to install. And when i say install you have to go thru the normal ways of installing a program onto your mac. By giving the program a password, choosing the folder you want to install it and agreeing to a license etc...

Sorta the same way you would install a program like Photoshop.

As long as you dont install it, can just close the program and you are safe.

This is a phising attempt to scare people into thinking there is a virus on your mac and install a program that will take all your personal info.



On my macs i make sure its bare bones. Just my graphic programs, apple programs and extras like stuffit and a FTP program. I never install applications that sound fun or make me think it would be easier then a OSX program. OSX has everything i need so i dont install stuff that could become outdated and not supported and cause a trojan.

[Vince-Vell]

I guess Macs aren't as immune to attack as we were lead to believe.

nothing is immune to attack, just that this is tricking the non computer savy person into thinking they need this MacDefender program.

Same as getting a email saying your bank account is being hacked and pluging in your info to a fake web site. Just installing a fake program onto your mac.

[Jesse321]

Also Mac is already coming up with a upgrade patch to block its installation.

[The General]

Thought you Mac guys didn't have to worry about stuff like this.......:peoples:

[Jesse321]

As John explained this isn't a virus, it's a trojan, there's a difference, you have to actually install it, as apposed to a virus that simply creeps into your system.

Regardless, Macs aren't impervious to either, they're just better at avoiding them, because of the double and triple redundancies built into the operating system. Even then, as Apple and Macs grab more and more of the market share, they'll be targeted more and more, but when the time is right, I'm sure that Apple will come out with their own program to deal with the problems as they come up, and not have to depend on 3rd party programs to deal with them.

[The General]

As John explained this isn't a virus, it's a trojan, there's a difference, you have to actually install it, as apposed to a virus that simply creeps into your system.

Regardless, Macs aren't impervious to either, they're just better at avoiding them, because of the double and triple redundancies built into the operating system. Even then, as Apple and Macs grab more and more of the market share, they'll be targeted more and more, but when the time is right, I'm sure that Apple will come out with their own program to deal with the problems as they come up, and not have to depend on 3rd party programs to deal with them.


I know. I just like provoking mac users.