WARNING! MAC OS Is Infected Scam (Mac)
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is WARNING! MAC OS Is Infected?
"WARNING! MAC OS Is Infected" is a fake error similar to Apple Security Alert, Apple Support Center - Attention!!, Apple Warning Alert, and many others.
This error is displayed by a malicious website that users often visit inadvertently - they are redirected by various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). These programs also deliver various 'malvertising' ads (pop-ups, banners, coupons, etc.), record information (mostly, about web browsing habits), and misuse system resources.
This error states that the system has been infected and that the malware must be removed and system repaired immediately. Users are advised that they must not hesitate to call Apple technical support via the telephone number ("1-844-658-5859") provided. Certified technicians then supposedly guide users through the malware removal process.
Bear in mind, however, that "WARNING! MAC OS Is Infected" is a scam. This error is fake and has nothing to do with Apple. In fact, cyber criminals claim to be certified technicians and attempt to monetize their services that are not needed. In addition, these people often trick users into granting remote access to their computers.
Once connected, cyber criminals stealthily install malware and/or change system settings. Then they claim to detect additional errors and offer further help for an additional fee. Therefore, we strongly advise you to ignore "WARNING! MAC OS Is Infected" and to never call the aforementioned telephone number.
This error can be removed by closing the web browsing or rebooting the system. Be aware that some malicious websites and PUPs mine cryptocurrency or run other unwanted processes in the background. They misuse system resources without users' consent, thereby significantly diminishing overall computer performance.
Potentially unwanted programs are also known to gather various information that might contain personal details. This data is sold to third parties. Furthermore, PUPs often deliver malicious ads using various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site.
Therefore, the ads usually conceal underlying content, thereby diminishing the browsing experience. Malicious ads may also lead to rogue websites and/or execute scripts that download and install malware. Therefore, even accidental clicks can result in high-risk computer infections. For these reasons, we advise you to uninstall all potentially unwanted programs immediately.
| Name | "WARNING! MAC OS Is Infected" virus |
| Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Symptoms | Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
As mentioned above, "WARNING! MAC OS Is Infected" shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors. Each and each one claims that the system is damaged , however, these false claims are merely attempts to extort money from unsuspecting users. Potentially unwanted programs are also very similar.
By offering various "useful features", PUPs trick users into believing that these programs are legitimate and useful, however, that all potentially unwanted programs only generate revenue for the developers. Therefore, only very few give real value for regular users.
Most merely promote rogue websites (unwanted redirects), deliver malicious ads, gather information, and misuse system resources. These programs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
Research shows that some PUPs have official download websites, however, most are distributed using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling", and via the aforementioned malicious ads. Therefore, users often install PUPs inadvertently or PUPs stealthily infiltrate their systems without permission.
Bundling is stealth installation of third party software together with regular apps. Developers hide bundled programs within the "Custom/Advanced" settings or other sections of the download/installation processes.
Many users are careless during download and installation - they rush and skip steps. In addition, many users click various ads. This behavior often leads to inadvertent installation of potentially unwanted programs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
The key to computer safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when downloading/installing software and browsing the Internet in general. If possible, select the "Custom/Advanced" settings, carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogues, and decline offers to download/install third party programs.
Bear in mind that third party download/installation tools are monetized by promoting dubious programs (the "bundling" method). Therefore, we recommend that you avoid using such tools - your software should be downloaded from official sources only, using a direct download link.
Most malicious ads appear legitimate, as developers invest a great deal of time and money into their design, however, these ads are distinguishable for their redirects - most lead to survey, adult dating, pornography, and other similar sites. Therefore, if you encounter this type of ad or website, immediately remove all suspicious apps and browser plug-ins.
Text presented within "WARNING! MAC OS Is Infected" pop-up scam:
WARNING!
MAC OS is infected with Viruses and other malicious applications. Viruses must be removed and system damage repaired. It is necessary to Call Apple Support 1-844-658-5859 and follow Virus removal procedure immediately, please proceed.
** If you leave this site your Mac OS will remain damaged and vulnerable **
Appearance of "WARNING! MAC OS Is Infected" scam (GIF):
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is WARNING! MAC OS Is Infected?
- STEP 1. Remove PUP related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Potentially unwanted programs removal:
Remove PUP-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select “Applications”. In the applications folder, look for “MPlayerX”,“NicePlayer”, or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove adware-related files and folders
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:
In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/
In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion