Path: ...!eternal-september.org!feeder3.eternal-september.org!news.eternal-september.org!.POSTED!not-for-mail From: FromTheRafters Newsgroups: alt.computer.workshop,uk.comp.sys.mac,comp.sys.mac.system Subject: Re: What to do if you think your Mac has a virus! Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2024 05:24:59 -0500 Organization: Peripheral Visions Lines: 83 Message-ID: References: <1qmvo84.1kwddodexxiutN%nospam@de-ster.demon.nl> Reply-To: erratic.howard@gmail.com MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Injection-Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2024 10:25:06 -0000 (UTC) Injection-Info: dont-email.me; posting-host="121df1f646a0716f699dad9f5bf80f39"; logging-data="608869"; mail-complaints-to="abuse@eternal-september.org"; posting-account="U2FsdGVkX18WiuplonYBvsftAN+ddmMhE3ZO9wYttkY=" Cancel-Lock: sha1:OmwRM5+agPp2HF4pAg4SK9F0W+k= X-Newsreader: MesNews/1.08.06.00-gb X-ICQ: 1701145376 Bytes: 4205 Joerg Lorenz was thinking very hard : > On 05.01.24 20:52, J. J. Lodder wrote: >> David Brooks wrote: >> >>> What to do if you think your Mac has a virus:- >> >> "Think Different."! > > *LOL*. > One last thing: Macs don't have viruses. ============================================== What online threats can affect Macs? The kinds of malware that threaten Mac computers are similar to those which affect Windows machines. They include: Viruses A virus is a malicious software program loaded onto a user's computer without the user's knowledge that performs malicious actions. It can self-replicate, inserting itself into other programs or files, infecting them in the process. On macOS, viruses could be hidden in Word document files. These threats can be enacted when you enable macros. Ransomware This involves hackers taking over personal or potentially valuable files and demanding payment in exchange for the files’ decryption or release. Adware This malware takes over your computer, bombarding it with numerous ads and pop-ups that can harm your device, track you, and slow down performance. Trojans Trojan horses are a type of malware that trick you into downloading and installing them by posing as something else. As a Mac owner, you might become the target of a phishing scam trying to convince you to install fake MacDefender, MacProtector, or MacSecurity software. Rootkits A rootkit is a type of malware designed to hide malicious activity on a target device. For example, it can hide processes from monitoring tools by intercepting system calls, so that the user remains unaware of those processes. Spyware Spyware is a computer program that hackers can use to spy on you and secretly follow your online activities. It works quietly in the background and shares the monitored data with the virus’ creators. Cryptomining malware Cryptomining malware refers to a type of malware that uses your Mac's computing power to mine cryptocurrencies for the attacker. This process is sometimes also known as cryptojacking. Some cryptominers will also dig into your browsers’ cookies to try to steal the contents of your crypto wallets if you have any. Phishing Phishing is a form of social engineering which involves cybercriminals impersonating a known entity or close connection to trick you into revealing sensitive personal information that can be used for identity fraud or financial theft. PUPs Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) usually come bundled with other software you download. Free browser add-ons or plug-ins can enable browsers to play videos, music, or games using Java. Not all plug-ins and add-ons are safe, and some may contain harmful malware or viruses. The consequences of installing rogue plug-ins or add-ons can include identity theft, data loss, and financial loss. ================================================= https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/preemptive-safety/can-macbooks-get-viruses