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I use both Macs and PCs but as a Mac user, I used to be under the impression that I wasn’t as susceptible to viruses as PC users but that simply isn’t the case. Last week a fake piece of software called MAC Defender made headlines that reminded me of the need to take security precautions to protect my computer.
Billed as anti-virus software, MAC Defender installation windows were reported to be popping up on Macs, encouraging users to pay to remove bogus viruses detected by the software. At first glance, installation windows looked legitimate. A trusting individual who believed Macs can’t get viruses probably would have clicked, entered in their password to let the software install, and fallen victim to a phishing scheme by purchasing the software.
Since cybercriminals are always trying to create malicious software, it’s good to stay one step ahead of them by protecting your machine.
Here are 5 things to know about protecting your Mac from viruses:
- Be wary of suspicious links and pop up windows. PreciseSecurity.com stated that MAC Defender was spreading through “SEO poisoning” designed to take you to malicious websites and fill your screen with pop up windows. Clicking on links can begin an automatic install of malicious code containing a virus.
- Have an eagle eye. When Apple refers to the Mac computer, they refer to them as Mac, not MAC. Subtle differences in wording or even misspellings can be a clue that sites aren’t legitimate. If you at all question the site’s reputation, look for a Contact page. If you can’t find one, move on!
- Don’t ever give up your credit card information unless you trust the site. Online scams lure users into giving up sensitive personal information with the intent of profiting from it. This technique is commonly called phishing.
- Install an antivirus program for your Mac and have it scan your computer on a regular basis to keep your machine virus-free. I love how MacKeeper is so easy to use thanks to the System Scan feature. For more information about MacKeeper, visit my full review about how it can protect your Mac from viruses on ChicaLogic.
- Encrypt important files in the event that spyware is installed. Think of encryption like a safe for your digital files. MacKeeper’s Data Encryptor allows you to add unlimited files and folders that can be hidden with one click on the Hide Button.
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| MacKeeper can help protect your Mac from viruses while encrypting sensitive files. |
I am a paid consultant working with ChicaLogic on content creation and blogger outreach. A version of this article appears on ChicaLogic but I am not required to share posts written for their site on my personal blog as part of my work with them. This post contains affiliate links.
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Original post by Tech Savvy Mama
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I have been getting the pop up!!! I fumble around trying to close the screen before anything happens! Scary stuff! Thanks for the reminder!
No problem! It’s so deceiving that my husband thought I might have it on my machine because it mimics MacKeeper, another piece of software that’s legitimate antivirus protection for the Mac! The windows and interface look practically identical at first glance!