Mac Security

Mac Security is an updated version of the rogue security program known as MAC Defender. These rogue programs pretend to offer your computer security and anti-virus features, but they actually alert you to nonexistent threats and may redirect your web browser. Mac Security is also updated to send information about your system to the criminals behind this rogue threat, and so you should consider Mac Security to be a high-priority danger to your privacy. Manually removing Mac Security isn't recommended unless anti-malware programs aren't available, since Mac Security is a sophisticated infection that may cause other problems when removed without expert assistance.

The Anti-Security Program for Your Mac

Mac Security originally began life as MAC Defender, a slightly older rogue program. The Mac Security update streamlines the code and provides new functions that attack your computer, in addition to the old ones used by MAC Defender.

Rogue programs in the Mac Security family have been promoted through the abuse of SEO (or search engine optimization) tactics that place websites very high on search results. You should exercise care with regards to any strange website that tells you that your computer is infected, since false warnings like these are known vehicles for infection by MAC Defender and Mac Security.

The primary function of Mac Security is to create false warnings that make you believe that your computer is infected by threats that don't exist. These warnings can be implemented in a Growl-based interface and may also be backed up by fake system scan displays.

Here's a sample of one of the common errors shared between Mac Security and MAC Defender:

The system is infected
Your system is infected. It's highly recommended to cleanup your system to protect critical information like credit card numbers, etc.

Never purchase any rogue product like Mac Security, since doing so will place your credit card in danger of repeated fraudulent charges. In fact, even visiting websites related to Mac Security may cause further attacks on your computer.

Secure Your Mac Against Mac Security

In addition to the fake errors, Mac Security can also:

• Hijack your web browser. Browser hijacks can alter website content, create fake errors and change your homepage. Mac Security and related rogue programs are, in particular, known to redirect browsers to pornographic websites.
• Mac Security also has a recently-added function to transmit system information back to the criminals in charge of the whole Mac Security scam. This information may be used to let remote attackers easily attack a computer as soon as the Mac Security infection gets onto the system or to gather personal information like passwords or account login data.

Because Mac Security has been updated from MAC Defender in a number of ways as of May 2011, you should try to update your anti-malware software before removing Mac Security. Attempting to Mac Security without an anti-malware program to assist you in the process should only be considered when all else fails; improper removal of Mac Security can result in other problems like loss of Internet connectivity.