Wednesday, March 7, 2012

I have been having troubles with Malware on my Mac?

So, about a week ago, my computer told me that my computer has been infected with Malware. I researched the topic and I found that it is "impossible" to get Malware on Mac. Many different sites said the same thing. So, I am confused because my computer is constantly telling me I have a Malware infection. I even had my Facebook account temporarily disabled because it said I have Malware. I downloaded an anti-virus program for Malware called ClamXav off of the app store, because it was recommended by several websites. I scanned my entire computer and it found one file called Facemoods or something that said was infected. I don't know what to do now. I found the source of my problem, but I don't know specifically how to get rid of it. There is no "disinfect" button. I tried moving the file to the trash, but I don't think that did anything. I also downloaded Onyx (another recommended program) but there is no disinfect program. There is an option to clean the cache, but I'm afraid that will delete things on my computer. If anyone knows what I can do please help me out. Best answer to anyone who takes the time to stay with me on this problem and help me out.I have been having troubles with Malware on my Mac?
I never head of any Mac ever saying it has a malware infection! Don't know how it would even know if it doesn't have any anti malware on it! Does it do it when on the internet?

Check with your nearest Mac User Group!
http://www.apple.com/usergroups/I have been having troubles with Malware on my Mac?
Malware can be added to any operating system. You need to understand that "mal" means "bad" in Latin, and "ware" is short for software. Many people think malware is a fancy term for virus. It's a term for the large category that includes viruses and other stuff.

Definitions:
-- virus: app that attaches itself to another app and can self-replicate.
-- worm: app that is unattached, self-replicating, self-sending (via network or attached disk).
-- Trojan horse: app that appears to be desirable, but is not.

Not really true: "Mac OS X cannot get any malware."
Not really true: "Mac OS X can get viruses." (This will become "true" as soon as someone makes a real virus for OS X.)
Not always really true: "You can only get malware in OS X if you type your password to install it." (In OS 10.6.8 and earlier, no password is needed to install apps to the /Applications directory or the /Users directory.)

Even so, many developers add a password request screen to their installers voluntarily just to avoid blame later from parents "Why did you allow my kids to install your software even though they are not admin users?"

There are two types of files you cannot trash:
-- Those protected by OS X (in OS 10.6.8 or earlier, that would be those in the System directory).
-- Those that are "open".

An open file is one that is "running". If you want to stop an app / process from running, there are several possible ways. Here they are starting with the easiest....
1 -- Restart in Safe Boot.
2 -- Use Activity Monitor to stop the process.
3 -- Boot to single-user mode.

As you try these, note that most apps / processes can be halted with (1), more can be halted with (2), and all can be halted with (3).

The most common type of "infection" on all systems (Windows, Linux, OS X) is called "Trojan horse" (ask your history teacher what it means). The most common idea of a Trojan horse is to trick you into buying something by lying to you. The most common lie is "Your computer has a virus!!!!" Read the article at the link below.

NOTE: A Trojan installer often has a password request screen whether it is needed or not. If it is a pretend-anti-virus app, it wants you to think it is "official".

Some free anti-virus apps are available at the links below.I have been having troubles with Malware on my Mac?
Drag Facemoods to the trash, empty, clean cache (all this will do is delete your temporary internet files and history.. all personal files will be safe) and then, if desired, download CCleaner for Mac.
Nice answer from Silver...

Turn on the popup ad blocker in Safari, empty the cache, delete the history and if you are still worried (downloaded that HD porn viewer %26amp; installed it?) then try the 30 day demo of MacScan. It will delete any current malware.

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