Malware Targets Mac Users

Fake security software that is aimed at Mac users has been on the rise this week since the news that Osama Bin Laden had been killed. The software claims to be an antivirus program, and while malware like this has been popular amongst Windows users for quite some time, this is essentially the first time Mac users have been targeted. Whether you are a Mac or PC user, it is always important to remember that just because the application appears to be sophisticated and professional-looking like it is in the screenshot below, it can still be phony.

The new type of rogueware (fake antivirus software that informs you your computer is infected) is called MAC Defender and can cause many pop-ups and false alerts. Until the application is removed, this will continue until the user pays a fee ($60-$80) for the useless program. Users cited various websites that they were viewing when the pop-ups and alerts started, so there does not seem to be a common cause. Mac users are no longer immune to viruses and malware. So, just like any other issue, we urge all computer users to be cautious and to refrain from clicking on things they aren’t 100% sure of. For more information on the details of MAC Defender, read this article from Computerworld.