Looks likes malware authors finally wrote a malware for Apple Mac OSX finally which did made into headlines as it infected Mac systems which most Mac users wont even dream of. Even Apple was reluctant to admit this at first and its Technicians were asked to refrain from talking about this MacDefender, MacProtector or MacSecurity malware. But now, Apple has released a “How to” guide on its official website which talks about how to remove MacDefender, MacProtector or MacSecurity malware.

Image Credits: Bleeping Computers

Just as any Windows Malware, this redirects users to some phishing websites which tells Mac users that their systems are infected and they need to download Mac Defender “anti-virus” software to solve the issue. Its ultimate goal is to get the user’s credit card information which may be used for fraudulent purposes. It affects Mac OS X 10.4, Mac OS X 10.6, Mac OS X 10.5.

I am quoting the procedure of  How to remove MacDefender, MacProtector or MacSecurity malware from Apple’s support article.

How to avoid installing this malware

If any notifications about viruses or security software appear, quit Safari or any other browser that you are using. If a normal attempt at quitting the browser doesn’t work, then Force Quit the browser.

In some cases, your browser may automatically download and launch the installer for this malicious software.  If this happens, cancel the installation process; do not enter your administrator password.  Delete the installer immediately using the steps below.

  1. Go into the Downloads folder or your preferred download location.
  2. Drag the installer to the Trash.
  3. Empty the Trash.

How to remove this malware

If the malware has been installed, we recommend the following actions:

  • Do not provide your credit card information under any circumstances.
  • Use the Removal Steps below.

Removal steps

  • 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

Use the steps in the “How to avoid installing this malware” section above to remove the installer from the download location.

Via: Apple Support