Apple Security - Virus Detected! Is It a Scam? (Proven + Updated)

Are you often getting a warning on your Apple device saying “Apple Security Virus Detected”?

So, what is “Apple Security Virus Detected”?

The warning that your Apple device has been receiving recently is not from Apple Official, beware it’s a scam.

This warning is caused while your system is infected with a browser hijacker.

In the front-end you will only notice the warnings but, if you notice your browser closely, its homepage and search engine both might have already been changed.

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So far, the targeted browsers are Safari and Google Chrome.

Now that you know your system is infected with a browser hijacker, there is something more you must know.

Also, Read: Is Gaming Wonderland (Games & Sports Toolbar) a Browser Hijacker?

End-goal for adware:

A Browser Hijacker will not stop with such warnings, and it will also authorize adware into your system.

Adware will then annoy you with multiple advertisements, banners, pop-ups and more.

All of which is only designed to generate revenue for the malware developers.

A standard technique used by adware to generate revenue is “Pay Per Click” method.

“Pay Per Click” method - Detailed explanation.

Whenever there’s an advertisement pop-up on your screen, you would notice that it will not disappear until you click on that pop-up.

Every click from users stacks money for the adware developers.

This is one of the major reasons for which your system has been bugged with numerous advertisements.

 Additional info on Adware

That’s not it; adware also monitors user’s history to know their area of interest, e.g., products and services.

This is done to create ads incorporating things of user’s interest.

This could be called as one of the best tactic adopted by the malware developers that trick users into clicking the advertisement.

All things considered! Is adware a threat?

Adware itself is explicitly not a threat to your data or privacy. But, not to forget adware is categorized as malware and only because of its unique features which allow it to authorize the installation of other threatening malware, i.e., Ransomware, Trojan, Spyware, and more.

All strings pulled together, we say ‘Yes’ adware is a threat as it acts as a backdoor to other malware.

Never forget it is a malicious program, and the longer it stays on a computer, the more it weakens the firewall of the computer making way for another malware.

How does adware accomplish its malicious deeds?

Adware connects your PC to “Control and Command Centre” which is operated by its developers and using adware they can steal your confidential files, IP-address, your location, browser type, Operating System details, etc.

Also, Read: South Korean bourse hacks $42 billion Worth Cryptocurrencies

Techniques used to distribute ‘Apple Security Virus Detected’ browser hijacker:

1. Social Clickjacking: Creators of such infections use online media such as Social Network and tempting advertisements to provoke or let us say in fooling the users to click on the ads, i.e., Update your flash player or win an iPhone X.
2. Spam emails: These hijackers can get into your computer through malicious email attachments, and download links present the body of the mail. This emails usually appear to be from a reputed organization, i.e., Banks and insurance companies.
3. It can infect the computer through infected websites or malevolent websites.
4. It can also trick you by fake security alert or system updates.
5. Torrents & P2P File Sharing: Torrents and files shared on P2P networks have a high probability of being a carrier to such infections.
6. It can also infect the computer through portable storage devices like USB stick, portable hard drive or through a disk.
7. Bundling: The quickest and the most relaxed way of infecting a user’s PC with any malware is through freeware software’s, and in this case, the user is equally responsible for authorizing the installation of such malicious program without reading the terms and conditions. Unfortunately, some freeware programs do not uncover that a malicious program will also be installed with it.

Common symptoms of ‘Apple Security Virus Detected’ browser hijacker:

1. Unstable behavior of the browser, frequent crashes.
2. Changes the Default Homepage and search engine.
3. Your web browsers are now equipped with all new add-ons toolbars and extensions.
4. Poor system performance, slow response time as the advertisement would pop out of nowhere, and this will result in slow internet speed.
5. Slow internet browsing speed or internet would stop unexpectedly.
6. The operating system would crash now and then, or computer would boot up for no reason.
7. Ads pop up even when the browser is not open.
8. New tabs open in browser to display ads or search results would always end up with displaying advertisement banners.

Follow the steps below to avoid the installation of adware and browser hijacker

While installing a freeware software or a freeware game make sure you go through the license agreement section and read all the terms and conditions.

If reading the complete terms and condition is too much then while installing the freeware application if the installation offers you “custom and automatic installation.”

It is always recommended that you go with the customs process as this would disclose the other programs that might get installed along with it.

If you see any additional add-ons or toolbars checked, then remember to uncheck them this would avoid the installation of browser hijacker and adware.

User Review:

Source: Apple Community

FAQ:

Q1: What should you Do If you Receive a warning saying “Apple security virus detected”?
A: Generally, these “Apple security virus detected” warning pop-ups show up while you’re going through an uncertain third-party website. The first thing you should do is quit the browser you are on while you received this pop-up — do not interact with the warning or tap OK at all.

Q2: What do I do when I see random advertisements pop-ups?
A: Follow the same instruction mentioned in the previous question.