Check file downloads for Malware on MAC OSX

MAC OSX users should be careful while downloading files from the internet. Either of downloaded file may contain malware infection which can harm your system and steal personal information. There are number of manual methods to remove malware from MAC systems with malware infection. However, if all is good on your MAC system – you can prepare to stay safe by installing latest MAC OSX security update [2011-003]. This update adds new option “automatically update safe downloads list” option to security settings on your MAC system.

Now Apple maintains list of malicious software (malware) which is used to check every downloaded file to determine if it contains malware or not. With security update [2011-003] for MAC, this list is updated daily to keep system protected from new malware threats on daily basis.

1. To get started, you need to update your MAC system with latest security update [2011-003]. Download and install this update on your MAC OSX system.

2. Once this update is installed, make sure (new option) of “automatically update safe downloads list” is enabled in the Security pane of System Preferences.With this option active, your MAC system is able to update reference list of software used to identify malware on daily basis automatically in the background.

3. All files that you download using either of Safari, ichat and Mail applications are checked for malware infection. If downloaded file is identified as malware, you will get alert and option to move it to the trash. Once you move that file to trash, make sure you clear trash to completely remove that file from the system. [Image Credit: Apple.com]

This in-built feature of malware check and removal is handy in enhancing overall security of MAC system. For more protection, you can also download and install free anti-virus software for MAC systems. Such software provide direct user interface for scanning and removal of malware threats on MAC systems.

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How to remove fake Mac Defender malware software

MAC users may have come across offer to download ‘Mac Defender’ anti virus software for MAC system protection. This so called anti virus software is a malicious software (also known as malware) and intends to cause harm with ultimate goal of grabbing users credit card information which may be further used for fraudulent purposes. While there are genuine anti virus software for MAC system users, this Mac Defender (also called Mac Protector and Mac Security) is fake anti virus software (malware) that will cause harm, if installed on MAC system.

Apple intends to release MAC OSX software update that will automatically find and remove Mac Defender malware and its known variants from your MAC system. The update will also help protect users by providing an explicit warning if they download this malware.

Since the update is yet to be released, if your MAC is infected with Mac Defender malware – you can use manual removal method in the meantime. [via Apple Support]

While surfing the internet, malware installer (installation) file may automatically download on your MAC system. Hence, you need to check Downloads folder and remove the installer file (if present).

1. Open the Downloads folder or preferred Download location on your MAC system.

2. Drag the installer to Trash and then empty the Trash for removal of malware’s installer file.

1. In the Applications folder goto Utilities folder and then open Activity Monitor. Then select ‘all processes’ from pop-up menu at the top right part of the window.

2. Look for malware app name listing under the Process Name column. Check for names like MacDefender, MacSecurity or MacProtector.

3. If you find suspicious name, click to select it and click Quit Process button at top left part of the window. Then quit the application monitor application.

4. Now open Applications folder and look for suspected application name like MacDefender, MacSecurity or MacProtector. Drag that application to trash and then empty trash.

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