Mac Defender Scareware

[nikster]

Mac Defender is a new kind of Scareware for the Mac.

First, it's not a virus because it requires that you install it, using your own admin password. Second, it's not Anti-Virus software, it only pretends to be.

What it is is software that tricks you into installing it, and then tricks you into paying for it by popping up fake alerts that show your system is infected by a virus.

Don't fall for it; don't install it; don't run any "online Mac virus scanners" you come across.

And if you already have it, never, ever pay for it. Just remove it using the following instructions:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-mac-defender

This is the sort of software that no operating system can protect against - it's all in your head, basically. It's fooling the user into installing it, and then paying for it.

[boney]

Thank you for that.