What is an Apple security alert?

 What is Apple Security Alert?

Displayed by a malicious website, "Apple Security Alert" is a fake pop-up error similar to Apple Support Center - Attention !!, Apple Warning Alert, Critical Security Warning!, and many others.

Users often visit this website inadvertently - they are redirected by a variety of potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). Research shows that as well as causing redirects, rogue programs misuse computer resources, deliver malicious ads, and record various data.

The "Apple Security Alert" error states that the system is infected and the user's account has been hacked. In addition, private information is at risk. Therefore, the user should immediately contact iOS Tech Support via a telephone number ("1-855-633-1666") provided. Certified technicians then supposedly guide users through the malware removal process.

Note, however, that "Apple Security Alert" is fake and has nothing to do with Apple. Cybercriminals generate revenue by scaring and tricking unsuspecting users into paying for technical support that is not required. The malware simply does not exist. These people often demand remote access to the computer.

They do this to stealthily modify system settings and/or install various malware. Criminals then claim to "find" additional issues/errors and offer their help for an additional fee. Therefore, never contact these people. "Apple Security Alert" can be removed by closing the web browser or rebooting the system.

Be aware that fake error-displaying websites and potentially unwanted programs often misuse system resources to run unwanted processes (e.g., mining cryptocurrency) in the background. This behavior significantly diminishes system performance.

Furthermore, potentially unwanted programs often deliver various 'malvertising' ads (pop-ups, coupons, banners, etc.) using various tools that enable the placement of third-party graphical content on any site. Therefore, displayed ads often conceal underlying content.

These ads might redirect to malicious websites and/or execute scripts designed to download/install malware - clicking them risks further computer infections. Potentially unwanted programs are also known to record various data types (e.g., IP addresses, URLs visited, search queries, keystrokes, etc.) that might contain personal details.

This data is sold to third parties (mostly, for marketing purposes). Potentially unwanted programs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety. Therefore, uninstall all PUPs immediately.

Before you remove the Apple Security Alert scam

Some malware like the Apple Security Alert pop-ups can live on your Mac unnoticed and only seem like a minor annoyance. But in reality, it can leave a backdoor for more malicious software to have access to your Mac.

That’s why the most dangerous malware is the one you don’t know you have. Thankfully. It helps scan your Mac and quickly remove anything dubious. The best part? Apple has notarized CleanMyMac X, and it’s frequently updated to keep your Mac safe, even as new threats are released.

Features described in this article refer to the MacPaw site version of CleanMyMac X.

Name

Apple Security Alert scam

Category

Malware

Symptoms

Freezing, unwanted pop-ups, and browser redirects

Infection method

Deceptive pop-ups and bundled software

System damage

Browser tracking, private data leak, slow performance, and unwanted pop-up ads

Removal

Manual removal

Is the Apple Security Alert a virus?

The quick answer is no. The fake Apple Security alerts you’re seeing on your Mac are technically not a virus. But it is considered malware. That’s why even if you have an antivirus app on your Mac, these alerts will still go undetected.

However, malware can be just as dangerous as a virus. The way these deceptive pop-ups work is they’ll tell you your computer has been compromised or hacked. Then, it will give you a phone number to call to fix this issue. The problem is when you call the number, you’re connected with a bad actor who will charge you money to “get rid of the virus.” But as they’re removing the virus, the technician will pretend to find other issues and charge you more money.

As you can see, the malware itself is more of a nuisance. It’s what happens when someone falls for this scam that turns it into an expensive problem. But if you’re personally experiencing this issue and you’re reading this article instead of calling the number, then you’re already off to a better start. Keep reading to find out how to remove these annoying pop-ups and what you can do to prevent other malware from installing on your computer.

How did the Apple Security Alert pop-up get on my computer?

There are several ways this pop-up malware can end up on your computer. From the obvious methods like sketchy torrent downloads to more innocuous ones like software bundling or tricky pop-up ads. Here’s what those latter two examples mean and how you can protect yourself:

Software bundling

When you install an app, typically a free one, it might have another app hidden in the install. This means you’re actually installing more apps than you realize.

That’s why you should always opt to do a custom install. When you’re downloading new apps, click through the installation wizard and then click Customize to see if anything else is trying to install on your Mac undetected.

Misleading ads

If you surf to a less than reputable website, it might serve you a pop-up ad that tries to convince you your Mac is infected with a virus. Then it offers an application to help you delete it. The irony is that when you install their app, it’s actually installing malware.

How to remove the Apple Security Alert scam manually

The instructions to getting rid of the Apple Security Alerts will depend entirely on what browsers you have installed on your Mac. Even if you’re only getting these pop-ups in one specific browser, it’s still good to follow these steps for any browser you have installed. The reason is that there’s a good chance that when the malware installed itself, it did so for every browser you have. Not just the one you primarily use.

Safari

Being the browser that comes with macOS by default, you’ll want to check for any nefarious Safari extensions. Just follow these steps:

1. Open Safari.
2. Click Safari > Preferences.
3. Open the Extensions tab.
4. Select anything that looks suspicious in the sidebar.
5. Then, click Uninstall.

Firefox

If you have Firefox installed, then you’ll want to follow these steps:

1. Open Firefox.
2. Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) > Settings > Extensions & Themes.
3. Find any suspicious extensions.
4. Then, click … > Remove.

1. Google Chrome

Now, if you’ve done the other two browsers already, then Chrome will be the easiest of the batch for you. Here’s all you need to do:

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click the puzzle icon > Manage Extensions.
3. If you see anything odd, click Remove.
4. Then, click Remove again to confirm.

1. After you finish removing extensions from any of these browsers, it’s always a good idea to quit and reopen them. Just to make sure every bit of the malicious extensions has been removed.

Delete other malware from your Mac automatically

Maybe you’ve gotten rid of the Apple Security Alerts on your computer, but now you’re worried about other malware that could be lurking on your hard drive. That’s where the app CleanMyMac X can give you peace of mind.

Yes, it’s an app that’s designed to optimize the speed and performance of your Mac. But it can also scan for malware and other potentially unwanted apps. After you download CleanMyMac X, just follow these instructions:

1. In Finder, go to your Applications folder.
2. Open CleanMyMac X.
3. Then, click Malware > Scan.
4. When it’s finished scanning, click on any malware app found and click Remove.

1. That’s seriously all there is to it. It is really that easy to look for and remove any malware hiding on your computer.

Remove other unneeded files

While you’re in the mood for cleaning up your Mac, you can also use CleanMyMac X to get rid of any junk files you might have. Things like system cache files, old support files for apps, or other miscellaneous temporary files. This is all you have to do:

1. Open CleanMyMac X.
2. Click System Junk > Scan.
3. Then, after the scan is done, you can click Review Detail or Clean.

1. The first time you see the Apple Security Alert, it can be a little alarming. You’re not sure if you can trust it, but you also want to make sure you’re taking care of it if there really is a problem. But the silver lining is that now you know what to do if this happens on your Mac. And hopefully, after reading this article, you’re feeling a little more empowered to take care of it.

Threat Summary:

Name

"Apple Security Alert" 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.

To use the 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 Virus and malware removal instructions, PC security.

As mentioned above, "Apple Security Alert" shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors that also claim that the system is damaged. In fact, these errors are designed only to extort money from unsuspecting users.

Potentially unwanted programs also share similarities. Most claim to enable 'useful functions' (e.g., increase download performance, remove viruses, optimize media files without diminishing quality, etc.), however, these false claims are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimacy.

PUPs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Only a small percentage of these apps enable the functionality promised - most cause redirects, diminish system performance, generate ads, and gather information.

How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?

Some PUPs have official download websites, however, most are promoted using malicious ads together with a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Therefore, PUPs often infiltrate systems without permission, or users install them inadvertently, without their consent.

Bundling is stealth installation of third-party software together with regular (mostly, free) apps. Developers are aware that users often rush the download/installation processes and skip steps.

Therefore, they hide bundled apps within various sections (usually the "Custom/Advanced" settings) of these processes. By rushing, users expose their systems to the risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Be very careful when browsing the Internet and especially when downloading/installing software. Most malicious ads appear genuine, however, they are distinguishable for their redirects - most lead to pornography, adult dating, gambling, survey, and other dubious sites. If you encounter such ads, uninstall all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins.

Furthermore, closely study each download and installation step (including "Custom/Advanced" settings) and cancel all additionally-included programs.

Note that third-party download/installation tools are monetized by promoting malicious apps (the bundling method) and should, thus, never be used. Poor knowledge of these threats and rushing steps are the main reasons for computer infections - the key to safety is caution.

Text presented within "Apple Security Alert" pop-up:

Apple Security Alert- Warning iOS - Crash Report Suspicious Activity Detected

Error code: appdel001

Malicious application detected by apple scan and there has been a hacking alert on your account. Your personal and financial information is at risk major security issue.

Contact our iOS Tech Support for an immediate fix

+1-855-633-1666(Toll Free)!

Appearance of "Apple Security Alert" scam (GIF):

Text presented within this pop-up:

Virus Alert
Your device might be infected. Call the toll free number to resolve this problem 1-855-633-1666

Another example of "Apple Security Alert" pop-up scam:

Text presented within:

macOS Security

Apple Security Alert - Error Code: #0x83d47d

Access to this PC has been blocked for security reasons.
Contact Mac Support: +1-888-599-2660 (Toll Free)
Threat Detected - Trojan Spyware
App: Ads.financetrack(1).exe
[Run Anyway] [Back to Safety]

Instant automatic Mac malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware.

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.

Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. 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 Virus and malware removal instructions, PC security read more.

Remove "apple security alert" virus 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 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 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 “aoudad.net-preferences.plist”, “http://com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”, "http://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 in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure your system is not infected run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. After downloading the file double click combocleaner.dmg installer, in the opened window drag and drop 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 it's virus definition database and click "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.

"Apple Security Alert" virus removal from Internet browsers:

Remove malicious extensions from Safari:

Remove "apple security alert" virus related Safari extensions:

Open 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 normal browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements.

• Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Remove "apple security alert" virus related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:

Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the "Open Menu" (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose "Add-ons".

Choose the "Extensions" tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Remove" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements.

• Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Remove "apple security alert" virus related Google Chrome add-ons:

Open Google Chrome and click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose "More Tools" and select "Extensions".

In the "Extensions" window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Trash" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.