How To Remove MACDefender Fake Security Malware on Apple Computers

We've already reported that fake security software, MACDefender, is doing the rounds with an increasing number of Mac computer owners installing it.

When installed using the Mac OS X operating system, it flashes up warnings that users machines are infected with viruses and takes owners to websites asking for payment for yet more software to clean up their computers.  It's fake and don't what every you do hand over personal info of any sort.

MACDefender, which can also be called Mac Defender or Mac Security, is malware purely intended to get Mac owners to divulge credit card details. It easily infects Macs that have their Safari browser option "download safe files after downloading".

CultofMac has produced a video, above, detailing how to get rid of the rogue software.  It's fairly simple and seems to work.

Here are also written instructions:

1. If you’re infected by MacDefender, you’ll probably know it, as an obnoxious scan window claiming that your Mac is infected by viruses will pop up and float above all your other windows. Close or minimize this window.

2. Now, go to Applications > Utilities and launch Activity Monitor. Look for a process with the name MacDefender, MacSecurity or MacProtector. Highlight any that show up and click “Quit Process.”

3. Another warning will pop up, asking if you’re sure you want to quit the process. Click “Quit.”

4. Once the process has been quit, find the MacDefender icon in your Applications folder. It will have the same name as the process you just quit, so if you don’t see it, look for MacSecurity or MacProtector. Drag that icon to the trash, then empty trash.

5. Open Applications > System Preferences > Accounts. Click your account on the left, then select “Login Items” if it isn’t already selected. Highlight MacDefender (or MacSecurity or MacProtector) and click the minus button to remove it from startup.

 And it you don't want to get it again, open Safari, from the Safari menu go Preferences > General.
Under General untick the box "Open 'safe' files after downloading".  MACDefender will only be downloaded now if you're stupid enough to downloads and install it.

Thanks to CultofMac.

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