Apple has said that it will soon release a security update that removes fake antivirus software from Mac computers and also alert users when they try to download such malware.
Reports of Mac-specific scarewares have been floating in the tech world for weeks. As an acknowledgement of the threats, Apple has issued advice for users whose computers have already been infected by the malicious scareware at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4650.
With growing popularity, Mac computers have become the target for malware programmers.
Earlier this month reports suggested that fake antivirus software, specifically targeting Apple computers, have been collecting credit card details from users by scaring them of non existent virus attacks.
Web security company Intego said that it had discovered Mac Defender and Mac Security, two fake antivirus softwares that have been targeting Apple users starting early May. Apple has added MacProtector to the list now. This is the first time such tactics have been employed to attack Macs, says Intego.
Several victims have reported about the fake softwares on Apple’s forums, asking for help to remove it.
The design and content of the scareware Mac Defender makes it seem like a genuine anti-virus software. However, once people download and install it on their computers, the program starts popping porn sites. It then informs users that their computer is infected and asks for a payment with credit card to fix the errors.
These programs are spread through SEO (search engine optimisation) poisoning sites.
