Apple Finally Responds To Malware Attacks On Mac With Software Update (AAPL)

After legions of people fell for the MacDefender trojan trap within the past couple weeks, Apple decided to make a statement.

Its first statement was telling Geniuses and customer support representatives to keep their hands off when customers would complain.

Apple's second statement came yesterday, when it released a support document explicitly explaining how to remove the malware from your system.

The document also says, "In the coming days, Apple will deliver a Mac OS X software update that will automatically find and remove Mac Defender malware and its known variants.  The update will also help protect users by providing an explicit warning if they download this malware."

If you have MacDefender, MacProtector, or MacSecurity, use these steps to remove the malware:

Removal steps (from Apple's Support Document)

• Move or close the Scan Window
• Go to the Utilities folder in the Applications folder and launch Activity Monitor  
• Choose All Processes from the pop up menu in the upper right corner of the window
• Under the Process Name column, look for the name of the app and click to select it; common app names include: MacDefender, MacSecurity or MacProtector
• Click the Quit Process button in the upper left corner of the window and select Quit
• Quit Activity Monitor application
• Open the Applications folder
• Locate the app ex. MacDefender, MacSecurity, MacProtector or other name
• Drag to Trash, and empty Trash

Malware also installs a login item in your account in System Preferences. Removal of the login item is not necessary, but you can remove it by following the steps below.

• Open System Preferences, select Accounts, then Login Items
• Select the name of the app you removed in the steps above ex. MacDefender, MacSecurity, MacProtector
• Click the minus button

Don't Miss: Macs Aren't As Invincible As You Think. Here Are The Best Apps To Protect Yourself >

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Apple Finally Responds To Malware Attacks On Mac With Software Update (AAPL)

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