MACDefender

MACDefender, or Mac Defender, is a Trojan horse that first appeared in early 2011, masquerading as an antivirus program in an attempt to get users to share their credit card information over an unsecured site. The MACDefender rogue antivirus software targets Mac users via a phishing scam that redirects the users from legitimate sites to fake sites that make the user think their computer has been infected with a virus.

If a user were to click on the bogus link and install the MACDefender software, he or she would be presented with a professional-looking but ultimately fake antivirus program. The MACDefender malware installation could also begin automatically if Safari s “open safe file after downloading” option had been selected.

Once installed, MACDefender will periodically open pornographic sites in an attempt to make users believe they have a virus on their computer and as a result need to purchase the “registered version” of the MACDefender software with a credit card.

Variants of the original MACDefender Trojan have appeared recently with names such as Mac Security and Mac Protector. Apple has released a software update that automatically finds and removes the Mac Defender malware as well as its currently known variants.

Vangie Beal
Vangie Beal
Vangie Beal is a freelance business and technology writer covering Internet technologies and online business since the late '90s.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.

Related Articles

Embedded Analytics

Embedded analytics brings self-service business intelligence to everyday application users.

HRIS

Human resources information system (HRIS) solutions help businesses manage multiple facets of their workforce operations. They provide a central platform for human resources professionals...

Complete List of Cybersecurity Acronyms

Cybersecurity news and best practices are full of acronyms and abbreviations. Without understanding what each one means, it's difficult to comprehend the significance of...

Human Resources Management System

A Human Resources Management System (HRMS) is a software application that supports many functions of a company's Human Resources department, including benefits administration, payroll,...

ScalaHosting

ScalaHosting is a leading managed hosting provider that offers secure, scalable, and affordable...

HRIS

Human resources information system (HRIS) solutions help businesses manage multiple facets of their...

Best Managed Service Providers...

In today's business world, managed services are more critical than ever. They can...