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Ransomware

Lucille

Lucille

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Yesterday I got a ransomware on my computer. Couldn't get out of it, couldn't do anything. It happened when I clicked a link on a FAQ information page about finches. (I bought some zebra finches, they are very cute).

I called my son and he told me to reinstall OS X and I did. After, I still had it. So he made plans to come over next weekend and help. This morning, it is gone. Or is it? I have some trepidation about checking my bank account online in the future, how do I know it is really gone?

Very distressing.
 
Sometimes after your infected, malwarebytes isn't effective, but that is a great program to have, I agree.

Lucille, you will probably have to do a system restore to a prior date.
 
bcr229 said:
https://www.malwarebytes.org/

You can download and run the free version. I paid the $25 to protect three computers, mainly because security isn't the first, second, or even third priority of my husband and daughter.
Click to expand...

The Mac version of Malwarebytes is free. I also paid and installed Bitdefender and Traffic Light.
I feel a little like I'm closing the barn door after the horse left, but actually everything seems fine now.
I was totally blindsided. I mean really, a finch website, and this happens?
 
You where probably never infected, but told you where.

OS X is pretty hard to infect with randsomware. My guess is it was a popup telling you where infected. Could you send me a link for the page? I like playing with randsomware.

And now of the public service announcement.

You should always use firefox (or variant) for your internet browser. You should install noscript(99% of all drive by viruses will be stopped by by noscript), adblock (99% of driveby viruses are delivered by ads), ghostery (stops some of the online trackers), better privacy (stops the flash trackers), and HTTPS everywhere (makes sure there is always a secured connection used).

It takes a little time to get used to them, but your chances of getting a virus from online drops to almost zero.
 
I still have malwarebytes, the free version, and looking for a second backup so I'd like suggestions, is the paid version adequate?
Bitdefender is having some customer service issues after switching some accounts including mine to a different 'platform' mid subscription, I don't want to deal with them.
 
Dan.. great PSA for sure. Thoughts on Kaspersky? So many out there, are there any of them that "do it all", or just too many threats for one product to be good at stopping most everything?
Also, you mention FireFox..what about Chrome? Any added inherent risks/problems with that?
Thanks for your expertise!
 
Lucille said:
I still have malwarebytes, the free version, and looking for a second backup so I'd like suggestions, is the paid version adequate?
Bitdefender is having some customer service issues after switching some accounts including mine to a different 'platform' mid subscription, I don't want to deal with them.
Click to expand...

I use superantispyware (paid Version) as my main cleaner for my repair business. I did use free version a couple months ago for an unexpected customer and it worked well. For really bad infection I use combofix but if you don't know exactly what your doing it can render pc useless.
 
On your original question from 2015. There are a lot of fake infection sites. After reboot and cleaning they go away. It really is as simple as reboot, keep browser closed and run scan. Bestbuy geek squad has turned that into cash cow. Once I know it is just a fake site I fix and hand back to customer for $20. Best buy will charge over $100 for that simple problem.
 
Thank you Joe. I went to look at SAS and it looks fine but it seems to have a single version, not a different one for Macs. Is that OK?
 
Totally skipped the Mac part :p Only for windows. Bitdefender is good at $40. Does virus and malware or Avast Free works really well on Mac, also virus and malware. Sorry I wasn't paying attention.
 
I only do about 5 or 6 Macs a year. Usually hardware problem or upgrades. Here is info I saved for malware type mac stuff. I think I have only needed to use this info twice but works!


What to do when a website says you have malicious software on your Mac? If you are browsing a website and it claims to have detected malicious software, malware, or a virus (or simply states it has "detected problems" with your Mac), then follow these steps:

If you're in Safari (or another web browser) and get a warning about malicious software, virus, or problems detected, quit Safari by choosing Safari > Quit. If Safari refuses to quit, force-quit the app (Control-click the Safari icon and choose Force Quit).
Go to the Downloads folder and drag any install files, or files that you don't recognise, to the Trash.
Empty the Trash (Control-Click the Trash icon and choose Empty Trash). By doing this you will dodge the problem in the first place. You haven't installed any software, or handed over your credit-card details. We'd suggest you don't return to that website.

That's how to avoid falling into the trap of installing malware to remove malware, but how do you remove malware...

Here's what to do if you suspect you've already installed malware on to your Mac - typically because a website claimed to have detected problems. Follow these steps to remove the software:

If the app is open, check the name of the app.
Move or close the app window.
Open the Utilities folder (Command-Shift-U).
Open Activity Monitor.
Choose All Processes.
Go to the Utilities folder in the Applications folder and launch Activity Monitor.
Look for an app called MacDefender, MacSecurity or MacProtector. Or look for the name of the app (from Step 1).
Click the Quit Process button (top-left) and select Quit.
Quit Activity Monitor.
Open the Applications folder and locate the app (called MacDefender, MacSecurity, MacProtector, or some other name).
Drag the unwanted app to the Trash. Empty the trash.
Click to expand...
 
JColt said:
Totally skipped the Mac part :p Only for windows. Bitdefender is good at $40. Does virus and malware or Avast Free works really well on Mac, also virus and malware. Sorry I wasn't paying attention.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the info, I printed it out as I am sure others did as well.
I will look at Avast
I have Bitdefender, it is not working, they have not so good customer service, I lost my protection because they switched my account to a different 'platform'. I do not want to deal with them.
 
I've installed avast on a lot of pc's. Not memory hog and catches lots of bugs.
 
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