Apple Security Alert Scam

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Apple Security Alert

Apple Security Alert acts as an advertising tool for Mac computers. Specifically, Apple Security Alert integrates with Mac-compatible browsing program such as Safari, Chrome and others. And once there, Apple Security Alert then begins to execute all sorts of processes aimed at online advertising.For example, among the most apparent symptoms of an infection with such a program are the changes made to the browser homepage, as well as its default search engine. In addition, victims often also report the addition of a new toolbar to their browsing program. But most typical are of course the presence of numerous online ads within the browser that come in every shape and size imaginable. You can see popups that show up out of nowhere, banners that are plastered across half the screen, and links that make an otherwise plain text as colorful and vibrant as can be.

the Apple Security Alert scam on iPhone
The Apple Security Alert iPhone scam

Last but not least, programs like Apple Security Alert also tend to make your browser trigger page redirects to various sponsored pages and websites. This can be quite annoying as it ends up basically rerouting your browsing and taking it to some random web location that you likely don’t give two peanuts about. Luckily, however, you can easily rid yourself of all these changes by removing Apple Security Alert and Actionstepforward from your device. Below we have put together a removal guide that’s simple to follow and with its help you should be ad-free in no time.

Apple Security Alert for Mac

Apple Security Alert for Mac belongs to the software category of browser hijackers. Software like Apple Security Alert for Mac gets its name due to the unsolicited changes that it makes to the infected browser and the way these changes affect the end user’s overall browsing experience.All of these introduced changes and alterations to your browser have a purpose, though, they’re not random. Specifically, they make it easier for the hijacker to push certain products and services on users by means of the aforementioned advertising materials. And in exchange for this very aggressive promotion, the developers of software like Apple Security Alert typically earn some type of commission. Usually this happens in accordance with popular internet business models like Pay Per Click, which is rather self-explanatory.

Is Apple Security Alert real?

Users are often under the impression that Apple Security Alert is a virus. Especially if dealing with such software for the first time, the behavior that Apple Security Alert demonstrates can easily scare anyone into thinking they’ve been infected by malware. However, experts don’t see browser hijackers like this as dangerous. Instead, they’re somewhere in between regular, useful software products and actual viruses like Trojans, ransomware, etc. This is due to the unsolicited behavior, on the one hand. But it’s also because as a result of the hijacker’s activity, users may end up being exposed to various external threats.

Fake Apple Security Alert app

Fake Apple Security Alert was most likely bundled in the setup of some other piece of software that you downloaded. This is a common distribution channel of programs like theFake Apple Security Alert . And it’s easily circumvented by paying better attention to the installation process of any new software.

SUMMARY:

NameApple Security Alert
TypeAdware/Browser Hijacker
Danger LevelMedium (nowhere near threats like Ransomware, but still a security risk)
Symptoms Numerous online ads covering the screen during browsing sessions; changed browser homepage and/or default search engine.
Distribution MethodProgram bundles that are typically made available for free download on various file sharing websites. 
Detection Tool

anti-malware offerOFFER *Free Remover allows you, subject to a 48-hour waiting period, one remediation and removal for results found. SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy, and more details about Free Remover.

If you have an iPhone virus, please use our iPhone Virus Removal guide.

Apple Security Alert Removal

For a quick way to remove Apple Security Alert try to do this inside your Mac browser:

  1. Open your Mac browser.
  2. Go to Preferences.
  3. Now navigate to the extensions sub-menu.
  4. Look for any unfamiliar entries, including Apple Security Alert.
  5. Remove Apple Security Alert from your Mac as well as any other suspicious-looking items by clicking on the trash bin icon.

If this does not help then continue reading this article for more detailed instructions on how to get rid of Apple Security Alert!

Step1

The first thing you need to do is to Quit Safari (if it is opened). If you have trouble closing it normally, you may need to Force Quit Safari:

You can choose the Apple menu and click on Force Quit.

Alternatively, you can simultaneously press (the Command key situated next to the space bar), Option (the key right next to it) and Escape (the key located at the upper left corner of your keyboard).

If you have done it right a dialog box titled Force Quit Applications will open up.

In this new dialog window select Safari, then press the Force Quit button, then confirm with Force Quit again.

Close the dialog box/window.

Step2

WARNING! READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING!

Start Activity Monitor by opening up Finder, then proceed to activity-monitor

Once there, look at all the processes: if you believe any of them are hijacking your results, or are part of the problem, highlight the process with your mouse, then click the “i” button at the top. This will open up the following box:

chromeinfo

Now click on Sample at the bottom:

chromesample

Do this for all processes you believe are part of the threat, and run any suspicious files in our online virus scanner, then delete the malicious files:

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    Step3

    The next step is to safely launch Safari again. Press and hold the Shift key while relaunching Safari. This will prevent Safari’s previously opened pages from loading again. Once Safari is opened up, you can release the Shift key.

    On the off chance that you are still having trouble with scripts interrupting the closing of unwanted pages in Safari, you may need to take some additional measures.

    First, Force Quit Safari again.

    Now if you are using a Wi-Fi connection turn it off by selecting Wi-Fi off in you Mac’s Menu. If you are using a cable internet (Ethernet connection), disconnect the Ethernet cable.

    Step4

    Re-Launch Safari but don’t forget to press and hold the Shift button while doing it, so no previous pages can be opened up. Now, Click on Preferences in the Safari menu,

    Preferences in Safari

    and then again on the Extensions tab,

    extensions in safari

    Select and Uninstall any extensions that you don’t recognize by clicking on the Uninstall button. If you are not sure and don’t want to take any risks you can safely uninstall all extensions, none are required for normal system operation.
    Step5

    The threat has likely infected all of your browsers. The instructions below need to be applied for all browsers you are using.

    Again select Preferences in the Safari Menu, but this time click on the Privacy tab,
    Privacy in Safari

    Now click on Remove All Website Data, confirm with Remove Now. Keep in mind that after you do this all stored website data will be deleted. You will need to sign-in again for all websites that require any form of authentication.

    Still in the Preferences menu, hit the General tab

    General Tab in Safari

    Check if your Homepage is the one you have selected, if not change it to whatever you prefer.
    Default Home Page

    Select the History menu this time, and click on Clear History. This way you will prevent accidentally opening a problematic web page again.

    firefox-512 How to Remove Apple Security Alert From Firefox in OSX:

    Open Firefoxclick on mozilla menu (top right) ——-> Add-onsHit Extensions next.

    pic 6

    The problem should be lurking somewhere around here –  Remove it. Then Refresh Your Firefox Settings.

    chrome-logo-transparent-backgroundHow to Remove Apple Security Alert From Chrome in OSX:

     Start Chrome, click chrome menu icon —–>More Tools —–> Extensions. There,  find the malware and  select  chrome-trash-icon.

    pic 8

     Click chrome menu icon again, and proceed to Settings —> Search, the fourth tab, select Manage Search Engines.  Delete everything but the search engines you normally use. After that Reset Your Chrome Settings.

    If the guide doesn’t help, download the anti-virus program we recommended or try our free online virus scanner. Also, you can always ask us in the comments for help!

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    About the author

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    Violet George

    Violet is an active writer with a passion for all things cyber security. She enjoys helping victims of computer virus infections remove them and successfully deal with the aftermath of the attacks. But most importantly, Violet makes it her priority to spend time educating people on privacy issues and maintaining the safety of their computers. It is her firm belief that by spreading this information, she can empower web users to effectively protect their personal data and their devices from hackers and cybercriminals.

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