pop-up message on Firefox claims my microsoft system is compromised

[joansheski]

I don't have a microsoft OS on my macbook, imac, or iphone, but i searched on microsoft.com for malware, etc. and was asked to download a scanner for free but if anything was found, I'd have to buy their license to get rid of it. So it scanned and came up with one threat halfway through. I closed the software and did scans with three antiviral programs I already have - Symantic, Nodelab, and Trendmicro - none came up with any threats. What's the deal with that? The adware said to call them or they'd shut down my computer. Got it to go away by closing Firefox. But how is it that one antiviral scan picks up what three others didn't? Should I worry? Thanks, Joan

 

[Slydude]

My guess is that you were the victim of a browser hijack. In essence, something on a page you visited directed you to that web page. The other virus scans didn't find anything because there was no actual infection to find. The page initiates what appears ti be a scan in hopes that you give them money to correct a problem you don't have.

BTW although many Mac users run no anti virus software at all some users run it to keep from passing PC driven viruses /malware to Windows using friends. If that's your situation I suggest chooosing one of those apps to run. Even on the PC side running multiple versions of these types of programs often leads to confsuin / contradictory results.

 

[joansheski]

Thanks - I'll keep using just one - Trendmicro. Some folks claim Apple computers are immune, but I'm not that trusting.

 

[chscag]

Thanks - I'll keep using just one - Trendmicro. Some folks claim Apple computers are immune, but I'm not that trusting.

Take our word for it.... There are NO viruses in the wild that can infect your Mac. There is, however, adware and other tricks like switching or hijacking your home page, ransom ware, etc. Trendmicro is of no use for any of that. Smart and diligent computing and being aware of what you're downloading and which sites you visit is the best protection.

You might want to download and use the anti-malware program "Malwarebytes".

 

[ferrarr]

Also, browser add-ons or extensions like Ghostery and AdGuard AdBlocker will help. They both offer to whitelist sites you visit frequently, if they adversely affect those sights.

https://www.ghostery.com
https://adguard.com/en/welcome.html

 

[pm-r]

I closed the software and did scans with three antiviral programs I already have - Symantic, Nodelab, and Trendmicro - none came up with any threats.

No surprise there, so I guess they aren't working as you expect and probably never will for such stuff.

I would imagine you Mac is a running a heck of a lot slower than normal running three AV applications. Wow. That sounds like paranoia overkill.

And maybe a belt and suspenders and pant cord user it sounds like.




- Patrick
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[IWT]

three AV applications.

A further problem with running more than one AV app, is that they may see each other as "threats", causing confusion, conflict and potential mayhem with your OS.

Moreover, some AV apps will not let you update your OS because the update requires access to root level and other "delicate" parts of your OS, which the AV sees as a threat.

Choices are personal. We can only advise. And the advice is thoroughly uninstall all AV products. This can prove more difficult than you think once they get a firm "grip" on your OS.

Ian

 

[joansheski]

Thanks, I'm on it. I have all kinds of sites blocked already, and don't download anything unless it's from a trusted site. Weirdly, I was looking for a recipe for pear pie, of all innocent searches and not downloading anything. Glad to know about 'Malwarebytes' !

 

[macgig]

Thanks - I'll keep using just one - Trendmicro. Some folks claim Apple computers are immune, but I'm not that trusting.

I know the feeling. I've used macs for 25+ years and when I hear someone say they don't get viruses, it's hard for me to believe to. Still, there are other threats out there to be weary of. Make sure you keep your mac operating system up to date and also any programs you use like your web browser. be very suspicious of any links in email. In fact I don't even click on links in email anymore. email is just too risky and insecure, even if the email appears to come from a friend. You may want to also Uninstall or disable Flash, Java, and Silverlight. These three programs are not needed and their used often to hack macs and PCs.

 

[harryb2448]

Just believe macgig and move on. AV software is far worse than any of the Flash etc you have listed.

 

[pm-r]

Still, there are other threats out there to be weary of.

And a LOT of them are or can be a LOT WORSE than any genuine "virus"!!!




- Patrick
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