Is my mac clean or infected?

Hello All!!
I was just watching some videos on Safari and my MacBook Pro was becoming with kind slow preformance, I went to Activity Monitor and saw that "Flash Player (Safari Internet plug-in)" was taking up 1.06GB of memory. Is that normal? or is my mac infected with virus(malware)?
Also could you tell me the best way to check if my mac is infected with malware, flashback trojan, etc.?
Thanks, in advance, for your help.
Best Regards

francun86 wrote:
could you tell me the best way to check if my mac is infected with malware, flashback trojan, etc.?
Just keep running Software Update to make certain you have installed everything it recommends. Included is/was an update for Java which included a check for Flashback as well as eliminating it as a threat.

Similar Messages

Are Power PC based Macs open to infection by Flashback? And if so how do I find out if it's on my G4?

Are Power PC Macs open to infection by Flashback? And If so, how do I check to see whether my G4 has been a victim? All the scanners that I've seen are for Intel based Macs only.

I would run Terminal, then COPY the command shown in Step 2 (from the web site link). PASTE it in Terminal (to ensure you don't mistype something) and hit Return. If you do NOT get "... does not exist" message, don't do the anything else in the procedure.
If you DO get the "... does not exist" message, then COPY the command shown in Step 8. PASTE it in Terminal and hit Return. If you do NOT get "... does not exist" message, don't do the anything else in the procedure.
If you DO get the "... does not exist" message, then your Mac is clean.
The commands in Steps 2 and 8 can do no harm, because nothing is being changed. Some of the other commands for "removal" in the procedure do make changes. So if Steps 2 and 8 indicate your Mac is clean, that's good and you're done.
If they indicate otherwise, there may be a problem. You can ask additional questions here about what to do.
FYI - I just ran the procedure on my Power Mac G5 running Leopard, and I got the expected "... does not exist" messages after entering the commands in Steps 2 and 8.

Cleaning virus-infected files on external hard drive used for Time Machine

I am kinda reposting this with some extra explanation since I didn't really get any good respnses on my first post:
I am running McAfee VirusScan and it locates and cleans virus infected files just fine on my computer, but when it finds infected files on the external hard drive I use for Time Machine backups, it says "Repair Failed". Is there a way to clean infected files on my Time Machine backup drive?
I had found a virus in several documents on my Mac, which I cleaned, but it seemed to infect a bunch of the files located in Time Machine as well. I know these files shouldn't harm my Mac, but I still don't like having virus infected files. They seem to propagate and I don't want to give them to any of my Windows-using friends.

Hi,
Usually (but not always), virus-infected files aren't system-related, so if they cannot be repaired, there should be an option in VirusScan to delete them or quarantine them instead of repairing them. Assuming that you are archiving Mac-related files and not archives of Windows files, then it should certainly be safe to just have VirusScan delete or quarantine them. An alternative is that you could delete them manually. But before you do any of this, be sure to take a look at the filename and its location in the folder hierarchy to make sure that you aren't removing a file that's critical to the operation of some piece of software.
Hope this helps,
Ken

How can I clean virus infected files on my Time Machine disk?

I am running McAfee VirusScan and it locates and cleans virus infected files just fine on my computer, but when it finds infected files on my Time Machine backup drive it says "Repair Failed". Is there a way to clean infected files on my Time Machine backup drive?
Related question: Is this because the actual files are saved in a central hidden location and the files I see when I open the backup disk with finder are actually just alias links?

Schmactor,
First, it is unlikely that your software is actually finding a virus of any kind. Many supposed reports of a virus will, in fact, be perfectly legitimate (and harmless) files. While it is possible that you'll receive a virus, it is still unlikely. Most ISPs run anti-virus software on their email servers; if a virus is sent to you in an email, it is usually removed before you download it.
Even if you have downloaded an email, it is even less likely that you're going to send it to a Windows-using friend. Since any Windows virus is going to do absolutely nothing on your Mac, you most likely will just delete it. Are you in the habit of forwarding random emails that have unidentifiable attachments to your friends?
Keep in mind that it is always in the best interest of the developers of anti-virus software titles that the software constantly "finds" things, even when nothing exists. If you were to purchase anti-virus software, only to find that it does absolutely nothing for months at a time, you will not pay for further updates. I have been using a Mac for many, many years, and I have never run any kind of anti-virus software. I have also never sent a virus to someone else.
Scott

What is the best mac cleaner and anti virus for mac pro.

what is the best mac cleaner and anti virus for mac pro.

OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. Keep it updated with software updates from Apple.
A much better question is "how should I protect my Mac":
Never install any product that claims to "speed up", "clean up", "optimize", or "accelerate" your Mac. Without exception, they will do the opposite.
Never install pirated or "cracked" software, software obtained from dubious websites, or other questionable sources. Illegally obtained software is almost certain to contain malware.
Don’t supply your password in response to a popup window requesting it, unless you know what it is and the reason your credentials are required.
Don’t open email attachments from email addresses that you do not recognize, or click links contained in an email:
Most of these are scams that direct you to fraudulent sites that attempt to convince you to disclose personal information.
Such "phishing" attempts are the 21st century equivalent of a social exploit that has existed since the dawn of civilization. Don’t fall for it.
Apple will never ask you to reveal personal information in an email. If you receive an unexpected email from Apple saying your account will be closed unless you take immediate action, just ignore it. If your iTunes or App Store account becomes disabled for valid reasons, you will know when you try to buy something or log in to this support site, and are unable to.
Don’t install browser extensions unless you understand their purpose. Go to the Safari menu > Preferences > Extensions. If you see any extensions that you do not recognize or understand, simply click the Uninstall button and they will be gone.
Don’t install Java unless you are certain that you need it:
Java, a non-Apple product, is a potential vector for malware. If you are required to use Java, be mindful of that possibility.
Disable Java in Safari > Preferences > Security.
Despite its name JavaScript is unrelated to Java. No malware can infect your Mac through JavaScript. It’s OK to leave it enabled.
Block browser popups: Safari menu > Preferences > Security > and check "Block popup windows":
Popup windows are useful and required for some websites, but popups have devolved to become a common means to deliver targeted advertising that you probably do not want.
Popups themselves cannot infect your Mac, but many contain resource-hungry code that will slow down Internet browsing.
If you ever see a popup indicating it detected registry errors, that your Mac is infected with some ick, or that you won some prize, it is 100% fraudulent. Ignore it.
Ignore hyperventilating popular media outlets that thrive by promoting fear and discord with entertainment products arrogantly presented as "news". Learn what real threats actually exist and how to arm yourself against them:
The most serious threat to your data security is phishing. To date, most of these attempts have been pathetic and are easily recognized, but that is likely to change in the future as criminals become more clever.
OS X viruses do not exist, but intentionally malicious or poorly written code, created by either nefarious or inept individuals, is nothing new.
Never install something without first knowing what it is, what it does, how it works, and how to get rid of it when you don’t want it any more.
If you elect to use "anti-virus" software, familiarize yourself with its limitations and potential to cause adverse effects, and apply the principle immediately preceding this one.
Most such utilities will only slow down and destabilize your Mac while they look for viruses that do not exist, conveying no benefit whatsoever - other than to make you "feel good" about security, when you should actually be exercising sound judgment, derived from accurate knowledge, based on verifiable facts.
Do install updates from Apple as they become available. No one knows more about Macs and how to protect them than the company that builds them.
Summary: Use common sense and caution when you use your Mac, just like you would in any social context. There is no product, utility, or magic talisman that can protect you from all the evils of mankind.

Are Macs and iPhone infected by FinSpy?

Refering to the report here - http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/Malaysia-uses-spyware-agains t-own-citizens-NYT-reports/ and various others on the Internet.
I want to know if the Macs and iPhone infected with this creapy disease? If yes, what does Apple intend to do about this? How can I scan and remove this piece of crap from intruding my privacy.
Thanks
Lim

Are Mac's and iPhones infected by FinSpy?
The truth is they can be.
A security flaw in Apple's iTunes allowed unauthorized third parties to use iTunes online update procedures to install unauthorized programs.[6][7] Gamma International offered presentations to government security officials at security software trade shows where they described to security officials how to covertly install the FinFisher spy software on suspect's computers using iTunes' update procedures.
The security flaw in iTunes that FinFisher is reported to have exploited was first described in 2008 by security software commentator Brian Krebs.[6][7][14] Apple did not patch the security flaw for more than three years, until November 2011. Apple officials have not offered an explanation as to why the flaw took so long to patch.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FinSpy
The head of Apple product security is a ex-top-NSA guy so it stands to reason to assume they and Microsoft (likely Ubuntu Linux now too), always allow backdoors into all computers and phones for the sake of national security and law enforcement purposes.
With FinSpy it was widely abused by many governments and discovered, the fact is they ALWAYS have had a way to get inside our machines because we have to trust the maker of our operating systems and hardware,, they in turn have to obey the wishes of the government who holds power over them.
Governments are extremely paranoid because human population is getting out of hand and terrorists are unseen enemies so they will always try to have some sort of secret card up their sleeve, which the bad guys like hackers often find out about and invade people's machines with.
So there is this little game that has been going on for decades, the operating system and hardware makers leave a backdoor, the bad guys find it and spread malware, the good guys tell the world of the problem, they close the hole and clean up infected machines and then leave another backdoor to start the cycle all over again.
What can you do when you can't win?
Don't use their rigged machines or don't have anything on them or do anything with them that they will bother about.
Use a brand new machine, out of the box inside a Faraday Cage room and never connect it to the Internet or trade files, have a instant way of physically destroying all data at a moments notice, even if your on the toilet or taking a shower, that's long enough for them to break in and stop you.
Encryption is only going to make them mad and bust your will somehow in order to give up the password.
Getting software is a problem because now a lot of it is being downloaded online instead of coming on disks and requires copy protection to be updated online.
It's still possible to have a machine 100% secure and offline, but you will have to cut off a lot of features to do it.
Read the Paranoid section here
How do I securely delete data from the machine?

Anti Virus Software/ Mac Cleaning software - is it necessary?

Hi,
I was wondering if investing in any type of anti virus/ mac cleaning software would be worthwhile?
I was looking at Clean my Mac from MacPaw http://macpaw.com/index and Norton AntiVirus for Mac. I was wondering if it would help, because for the few viruses that it would find on a Mac, the extra program running constantly in the background might slow it down even more.
Any opinions/ suggestions are appreciated.

HI,
Just to make you aware there are no Mac viruses in the wild but if you want to use anti virus software get ClamXav
Word to the wise. Norton is the worst software on the planet. It is literally a virus in itself. If you instal it, only an erase and install can rid you of it.
And keep in mind, any anti virus software has a tendency to slow the system down. So if you notice a lag... you'll know why.
Check out the post here by Klaus1: http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=9487317#9487317
I've never used Clean My Mac before... so I really can't offer any advice on that one.
Carolyn
Message was edited by: Carolyn Samit

Find & fix broken Mac files || make my Mac cleaner

Good afternoon folks,
I have decided to clean up all the mess in my Mac a little bit.
So, I would like to ask you:
is there any software (or maybe I could do something by myself to deal with this issue) which could find and fix broken Mac files?
is there any software (or maybe I could do something by myself to deal with this issue) which could make my Mac cleaner, like deleting cache or broken "trash" files, in other words, by this way making my Mac work faster?
Talking about my Mac, it is a new MacBook pro 15-inch model, with the highest specifications, which was bought in this June. It has also installed Mac OS, Lion inside.
Thank you in advance.

is there any software (or maybe I could do something by myself to deal with this issue) which could find and fix broken Mac files?
If you think your hard drive is corrupt, repair it as Sonicray has suggested. As to whether the contents of a file are bad, only the program that created the file can possibly know that, except for certain standard formats like JPEG. What kind of files are you worried about?
is there any software (or maybe I could do something by myself to deal with this issue) which could make my Mac cleaner, like deleting cache or broken "trash" files, in other words, by this way making my Mac work faster?
There are many programs that will clean your caches to "make your Mac faster." Which begs the question: why is the cache there in the first place? To give cache cleaners something to do? No. The answer is that the cache is there to keep your Mac running fast, and constantly clearing it out interferes with that and will actually harm performance! Clearing caches should be a troubleshooting step only, not regular maintenance as many would have you believe.
Not sure what "broken trash files" are...
Basically, your Mac does not need any constant fussing-with to keep it running well, like a Windows machine does. Keep about 10% or more of the hard drive free at all times, check the hard drive with Disk Utility before installing any system updates, and keep a good set of backups. That's about all you need to do regularly.

Should I use Mac Cleaner that pops up on my screen?

Is Mac Cleaner ok to use?

No. Never respond to so called cleaners, optimizers, etc that may pop-up on the computer.
Check the links below for options to remove the Adware.
The Easy, safe, effective method:
http://www.adwaremedic.com/index.php
If you are comfortable doing manual file removals use the somewhat more difficult method:
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203987
Also read the articles below to be more prepared for the next time there is an issue on your computer.
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-7471
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-8071

I would like to know if there is any free mac clean up app available online?

I would like to know if there is any free mac clean app available online?

How to maintain a Mac
1. Make redundant backups, keeping at least one off site at all times. One backup is not enough. Don’t back up your backups; make them independent of each other. Don’t rely completely on any single backup method, such as Time Machine. If you get an indication that a backup has failed, don't ignore it.
2. Keep your software up to date. In the Software Update preference pane, you can configure automatic notifications of updates to OS X and other Mac App Store products. Some third-party applications from other sources have a similar feature, if you don’t mind letting them phone home. Otherwise you have to check yourself on a regular basis. This is especially important for complex software that modifies the operating system, such as device drivers. Before installing any Apple update, you must check that all such modifications that you use are compatible.
3. Don't install crapware, such as “themes,” "haxies," “add-ons,” “toolbars,” “enhancers," “optimizers,” “accelerators,” "boosters," “extenders,” “cleaners,” "doctors," "tune-ups," “defragmenters,” “firewalls,” "barriers," “guardians,” “defenders,” “protectors,” most “plugins,” commercial "virus scanners,” "disk tools," or "utilities." With very few exceptions, this stuff is useless, or worse than useless.
The more actively promoted the product, the more likely it is to be garbage. The most extreme example is the “MacKeeper” scam.
As a rule, the only software you should install is that which directly enables you to do the things you use a computer for — such as creating, communicating, and playing — and does not modify the way other software works. Use your computer; don't fuss with it.
Never install any third-party software unless you know how to uninstall it. Otherwise you may create problems that are very hard to solve.
The free anti-malware application ClamXav is not crap, and although it’s not routinely needed, it may be useful in some environments, such as a mixed Mac-Windows enterprise network.
4. Beware of trojans. A trojan is malicious software (“malware”) that the user is duped into installing voluntarily. Such attacks were rare on the Mac platform until sometime in 2011, but are now increasingly common, and increasingly dangerous.
There is some built-in protection against downloading malware, but you can’t rely on it — the attackers are always at least one day ahead of the defense. You can’t rely on third-party protection either. What you can rely on is common-sense awareness — not paranoia, which only makes you more vulnerable.
Never install software from an untrustworthy or unknown source. If in doubt, do some research. Any website that prompts you to install a “codec” or “plugin” that comes from the same site, or an unknown site, is untrustworthy. Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, must be acquired directly from the developer. No intermediary is acceptable, and don’t trust links unless you know how to parse them. Any file that is automatically downloaded from a web page without your having requested it should go straight into the Trash. A website that claims you have a “virus,” or that anything else is wrong with your computer, is rogue.
In OS X 10.7.5 or later, downloaded applications and Installer packages that have not been digitally signed by a developer registered with Apple are blocked from loading by default. The block can be overridden, but think carefully before you do so.
Because of recurring security issues in Java, it’s best to disable it in your web browsers, if it’s installed. Few websites have Java content nowadays, so you won’t be missing much. This action is mandatory if you’re running any version of OS X older than 10.6.8 with the latest Java update. Note: Java has nothing to do with JavaScript, despite the similar names. Don't install Java unless you're sure you need it. Most people don't.
5. Don't fill up your boot volume. A common mistake is adding more and more large files to your home folder until you start to get warnings that you're out of space, which may be followed in short order by a boot failure. This is more prone to happen on the newer Macs that come with an internal SSD instead of the traditional hard drive. The drive can be very nearly full before you become aware of the problem. While it's not true that you should or must keep any particular percentage of space free, you should monitor your storage consumption and make sure you're not in immediate danger of using it up. According to Apple documentation, you need at least 9 GB of free space on the startup volume for normal operation.
If storage space is running low, use a tool such as the free application OmniDiskSweeper to explore your volume and find out what's taking up the most space. Move rarely-used large files to secondary storage.
6. Relax, don’t do it. Besides the above, no routine maintenance is necessary or beneficial for the vast majority of users; specifically not “cleaning caches,” “zapping the PRAM,” "resetting the SMC," “rebuilding the directory,” "defragmenting the drive," “running periodic scripts,” “dumping logs,” "deleting temp files," “scanning for viruses,” "purging memory," "checking for bad blocks," "testing the hardware," or “repairing permissions.” Such measures are either completely pointless or are useful only for solving problems, not for prevention.
The very height of futility is running an expensive third-party application called “Disk Warrior” when nothing is wrong, or even when something is wrong and you have backups, which you must have. Disk Warrior is a data-salvage tool, not a maintenance tool, and you will never need it if your backups are adequate. Don’t waste money on it or anything like it.

Can I safely use mac clean?

I'm having trouble streaming video, specifically the video pauses and will not restart. Rebooting laptop helps for awhile, but not very long. I'm thinking I need to clean the temporary files, cookies, etc. Thanks for any help.

"Accumulated filth" is NOT the problem, and Mac Clean will not help you.
A failing Hard drive may be the problem, so top priority is to make adequate backups in case your drive stops working completely.
Not having adequate RAM is often the reason for performance problems. Quitting un-needed Applications and especially sync-ing Applications can help.
Using Activity Monitor to read System Memory and determine how much RAM is being used (OS X Mountain Lion and earlier)

Why new tabs are being raised every time while I'm using safari asking for a MAC clean up?

Why new tabs are being raised every time while I'm using safari asking for a MAC clean up?

Click here and follow the instructions, or if desired, run Adware Medic.
(114878)

Why apple let to Mac Keeper to alert me fake that my mac book air infected by virus? when searching bit defender and others they said that i haven't any viruses in my computer!!

Many times Mac Keeper alert me spontaneously that my mac book air infected by many viruses and force me that buy this antivirus program...Apple company know this or its fake alert or an advertisement. But its so disturbed me because of always force me that buy this program. So, bit defender and other virus scanners not find any viruses or malware...this alert from Mac Keeper are true or not? how i can know this is fake or true? thanks for your answers. The best regards

The pop up messages are nothing more than annoying spam. Have you installed MacKeeper? Are you constantly seeing these popup messages? If so:
Please review the options below to determine which method is best to remove the Adware installed on your computer.
The Easy, safe, effective method:
http://www.adwaremedic.com/index.php
If you are comfortable doing manual file removals use the somewhat more difficult method:
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203987
Also read the articles below to be more prepared for the next time there is an issue on your computer.
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-7471
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-8071
http://www.thesafemac.com/tech-support-scam-pop-ups/

New windows open up for such things as mac cleaner. How can I prevent this?

When I go to a web page, even apple.com, a new window gets opened from some one who want me to download a program to clean or enhance my Mac.
Running Maverick

Helpful Links Regarding Malware Problems
If you are having an immediate problem with ads popping up see The Safe Mac » Adware Removal Guide, AdwareMedic, or Remove unwanted adware that displays pop-up ads and graphics on your Mac - Apple Support.
Open Safari, select Preferences from the Safari menu. Click on Extensions icon in the toolbar. Disable all Extensions. If this stops your problem, then re-enable them one by one until the problem returns. Now remove that extension as it is causing the problem.
The following comes from user stevejobsfan0123. I have made minor changes to adapt to this presentation.
Fix Some Browser Pop-ups That Take Over Safari.
Common pop-ups include a message saying the government has seized your computer and you must pay to have it released (often called "Moneypak"), or a phony message saying that your computer has been infected, and you need to call a tech support number (sometimes claiming to be Apple) to get it resolved. First, understand that these pop-ups are not caused by a virus and your computer has not been affected. This "hijack" is limited to your web browser. Also understand that these messages are scams, so do not pay any money, call the listed number, or provide any personal information. This article will outline the solution to dismiss the pop-up.
Quit Safari
Usually, these pop-ups will not go away by either clicking "OK" or "Cancel." Furthermore, several menus in the menu bar may become disabled and show in gray, including the option to quit Safari. You will likely have to force quit Safari. To do this, press Command + option + esc, select Safari, and press Force Quit.
Relaunch Safari
If you relaunch Safari, the page will reopen. To prevent this from happening, hold down the 'Shift' key while opening Safari. This will prevent windows from the last time Safari was running from reopening.
This will not work in all cases. The shift key must be held at the right time, and in some cases, even if done correctly, the window reappears. In these circumstances, after force quitting Safari, turn off Wi-Fi or disconnect Ethernet, depending on how you connect to the Internet. Then relaunch Safari normally. It will try to reload the malicious webpage, but without a connection, it won't be able to. Navigate away from that page by entering a different URL, i.e. www.apple.com, and trying to load it. Now you can reconnect to the Internet, and the page you entered will appear rather than the malicious one.
An excellent link to read is Tom Reed's Mac Malware Guide.
Also, visit The XLab FAQs and read Detecting and avoiding malware and spyware.
See these Apple articles:
Mac OS X Snow Leopard and malware detection
OS X Lion- Protect your Mac from malware
OS X Mountain Lion- Protect your Mac from malware
OS X Mavericks- Protect your Mac from malware
About file quarantine in OS X
If you require anti-virus protection Thomas Reed recommends using ClamXAV. (Thank you to Thomas Reed for this recommendation.)

How do I know if my Mac has been infected with the virus

I recently was asked to download an Adobe Acrobat reader update but before I was made aware that the current virus was contained in a similar request, I downloaded what I assumed to be a legit update. I currently do not use my mail program on my Mac so am unaware of any spam being distributed from the computer. How can I identify if my computer has been infected with this Trojan Horse virus?

Two Helpful Links Regarding Flashback Trojan
A link to a great User Tip about the trojan: Flashback Trojan User Tip
A related link in the tip to a checker: Malware Checker Dowload Link
A Google search can reveal a variety of alternatives on how the remove the trojan should your computer get infected. This can get you started.
For now I recommend the User Tip from etressoft to detect and remove:
Checking for and removing the "Flashback" trojan

Is my mac clean or infected?

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