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Note: This month's newsletter is for my Mac clients so for once my Windows clients do not have to worry about the latest computer virus and can skip reading this newsletter if they wish.
Mac Attack, It Is Not Supposed To Happen
Conventional wisdom has always been that Macs don't get viruses so "don't worry about all that anti-virus stuff". Apparently, Macs are no longer safe either. Last month Apple faced a "Mac Defender/Mac Security" attack and at first denied that anything was amiss. Apple to support reps: "Do not attempt to remove malware". Of course Apple would like to keep the reputation that their machines never get viruses or malware. Since Apple still only has about 10% of the market world wide the chances are still slim that anyone would bother writing a virus for a Mac. The bad guys go where the money is and since Windows computers still command about 85% of the market they mostly write viruses for Windows computers.
 | | Mac Defender Message (It's a Fake) |
If you practice good computing techniques the likelihood that you will ever get infected on a Mac is still small.
- Always apply all updates from Apple. Many are security updates to keep you safe on the Internet. If you are not sure how to do that here are the instructions: http://goo.gl/3R2sJ
- Be careful when searching the Internet. When your search results come up take a minute to read the result including the URL (the web address) for anything that looks suspicious. The top results often pay to be there so be careful with the top "Sponsored" results.
- In Safari turn off the feature to automatically open safe downloads:
- Open Safari
- Click Safari menu then Preferences
- Click the General tab
- At the very bottom of the General section, deselect (remove the check) "Open "safe" files after downloading"
- Close the dialog
- Never type your Mac password if asked if all you are doing is searching the web. Software cannot be installed on a Mac without your password so be suspicious whenever asked for it.
- If you now want to install anti-virus software get Norton Internet Security for Mac. Free for Comcast customers and $80 for everyone else.
How To Avoid or Remove Mac Defender/Mac Security Malware
MobileMe Is Going Free
Since we are right now in the transition period you may still see renewal notices for MobileMe. If you are worried about being charged for another year then:
- Sign in to your MobileMe account at www.me.com
- Click on your name in the upper right-hand corner
- Click on Account
- Re-enter your MobileMe password if asked
- Click on Billing Info on the left
- Click Remove Credit Card button
Apple will no longer have your credit card on file for your MobileMe account.
Stay safe out there. You know what www stands for: Wild, Wild, West. Just kidding, but you get the idea.
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