Microsoft is bringing its Windows Defender anti-malware application to macOS—and more platforms in the future—as it expands the reach of its Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) platform. Mac Defender (also known as Mac Protector, Mac Security, Mac Guard, Mac Shield, and FakeMacDef) is an internet rogue security program that targets computers running macOS.The Mac security firm Intego discovered the fake antivirus software on 2 May 2011, with a patch not being provided by Apple until 31 May. Platform: Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion, Mac, Mac OS X, Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite, Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks, Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. Mac Defender (also known as Mac Protector, Mac Security, Mac Guard, Mac Shield, and FakeMacDef) is an internet rogue security program that targets computers running macOS.The Mac security firm Intego discovered the fake antivirus software on 2 May 2011, with a patch not being provided by Apple until 31 May. The software has been described as the first major malware threat to the Macintosh. The Microsoft Defender ATP icon will now appear in the menu bar. It may show an alert notification that the protection definitions are out of date. Click the Microsoft Defender ATP icon in the menu bar and choose Action Recommended.
The Mac Defender Trojan Horse phishing scam was back in the news this week. Twice.
First, a more virulent variation of the malware was detected. In this latest iteration, the phony program is named MacGuard. The new wrinkle is that it doesn't require an administrator's password to install. This means that any user on a Mac has the authority to install the malware. Of course, unless said user also had a credit card number to offer, this does not significantly alter the risk.
Second, a new Apple support article revealed that Apple is working on an update to Mac OS X (presumably 10.6.8) that will 'automatically find and remove Mac Defender malware and its known variants. The update will also help protect users by providing an explicit warning if they download this malware.'
The support article went on to offer recommendations on how to remove the malware if you inadvertently fall victim to this scam prior to the release of 10.6.8.
Meanwhile, a prior report (unconfirmed by Apple) cited an internal Apple memo advising AppleCare employees not to 'confirm or deny whether the customer's Mac is infected (by the malware) or not.' Not surprisingly, critics jumped all over this. For example, Infoworld's Robert X. Cringely lamented that this was yet another example of Apple being 'arrogant beyond belief and helpful only when forced into a corner.'
My view is more benign. While I wish Apple had been more helpful out-of-the-gate, I can understand Apple's reluctance to offer advice over the phone—potentially leading to making a bad situation worse if instructions are not correctly followed—before Apple fully understood what they were dealing with. In a worst case scenario, I could see Apple exposed to a lawsuit, with users seeking to recover damages incurred by Apple's supposed 'bad' advice. Regardless, Apple has apparently concluded its investigation and has responded in an appropriate manner.
How will Apple's update work?
I was especially intrigued by the promised specificity of Apple's upcoming fix. It is one of the very few times that Apple has included code in Mac OS X that is targeted at a specific security threat. In fact, the only other targeting (of which I am aware) is the XProtect.plist file of malware definitions included in Mac OS X 10.6. The protection offered here remains limited. Back in 2009, the file included only two definitions: one each for RSPlug.A and iService. As of the current Mac OS X 10.6.7, the file has added definitions to protect against two further attacks: HellRTS and OpinionSpy.
Even in cases where the XProtect.plist file is of value, the protection is only against installing the software. The feature offers no way to remove malware after it has been installed. This is in apparent contrast to the upcoming Mac OS X update, which promises to 'find and remove Mac Defender.' It will be interesting to see exactly how Mac OS X 10.6.8 implements this removal. Will it work via the XProtect.plist file or via some other mechanism?
This also has me wondering about Apple's plans for the future. Is this response to Mac Defender a limited deal for Apple? Or does it now plan to regularly update Mac OS X to cope with the latest malware and virus attacks? My guess is that Apple will assess each threat on a case-by-case basis. Don't expect an identical response from Apple to all future attacks.
The larger view
Overall, similar to what Rich Mogull argued here at Macworld, I consider Mac Defender to be a rather low risk threat. Most users will never confront any Mac Defender variant. And those that do will still need to be 'tricked' by the software before they are in any real danger. At the same time (as I covered in a previous Bugs & Fixes column), you should remain suspicious of any and all unsolicited requests to install software or provide confidential information. This is not difficult to do and it doesn't require any third-party software (such as Intego's VirusBarrier). Being appropriately vigilant while recognizing that the risk of an 'infection' is small are not inconsistent or mutually exclusive propositions.
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Sol 705 mac os. Control Center brings favorite controls such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Do Not Disturb, and Sound together in a single place—so you can easily adjust them at any time.
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How will Apple's update work?
I was especially intrigued by the promised specificity of Apple's upcoming fix. It is one of the very few times that Apple has included code in Mac OS X that is targeted at a specific security threat. In fact, the only other targeting (of which I am aware) is the XProtect.plist file of malware definitions included in Mac OS X 10.6. The protection offered here remains limited. Back in 2009, the file included only two definitions: one each for RSPlug.A and iService. As of the current Mac OS X 10.6.7, the file has added definitions to protect against two further attacks: HellRTS and OpinionSpy.
Even in cases where the XProtect.plist file is of value, the protection is only against installing the software. The feature offers no way to remove malware after it has been installed. This is in apparent contrast to the upcoming Mac OS X update, which promises to 'find and remove Mac Defender.' It will be interesting to see exactly how Mac OS X 10.6.8 implements this removal. Will it work via the XProtect.plist file or via some other mechanism?
This also has me wondering about Apple's plans for the future. Is this response to Mac Defender a limited deal for Apple? Or does it now plan to regularly update Mac OS X to cope with the latest malware and virus attacks? My guess is that Apple will assess each threat on a case-by-case basis. Don't expect an identical response from Apple to all future attacks.
The larger view
Overall, similar to what Rich Mogull argued here at Macworld, I consider Mac Defender to be a rather low risk threat. Most users will never confront any Mac Defender variant. And those that do will still need to be 'tricked' by the software before they are in any real danger. At the same time (as I covered in a previous Bugs & Fixes column), you should remain suspicious of any and all unsolicited requests to install software or provide confidential information. This is not difficult to do and it doesn't require any third-party software (such as Intego's VirusBarrier). Being appropriately vigilant while recognizing that the risk of an 'infection' is small are not inconsistent or mutually exclusive propositions.
Upgrade to macOS Big Sur
Before installing this upgrade, make sure that your Mac is ready.
Check compatibility
macOS Big Sur supports most Mac models introduced in 2013 and later.
View compatible Mac modelsMake a backup
Before you upgrade, make a complete backup with Time Machine, or store your files in iCloud.
Learn how to back up your MacFree up space
If the installer needs more storage space to upgrade, you can free up space using tools that come with your Mac.
Free up storage spaceDownload macOS Big Sur
If you're using macOS Mojave or later, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update. If you're using an earlier macOS, use the App Store instead.
Learn how to download and install macOS Big SurGo to the App StoreGet to know macOS Big Sur
Learn about some of the new features of macOS Big Sur.
Control Center
Sol 705 mac os. Control Center brings favorite controls such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Do Not Disturb, and Sound together in a single place—so you can easily adjust them at any time.
Use Control CenterNotification Center
Notification Center puts notifications and> Hello charlotte: heavens gate mac os.
Safari
Xapalus deluxe mac os. Customize your start page, navigate with ease using the new tab bar, and access a new privacy report to see just how Safari protects your privacy as you browse.
Get to know SafariMaps
Discover great places around the world and navigate easier with guides, cycling directions, indoor maps, Look Around, electric vehicle routing, and more.
Messages
Send messages to friends and family using new tools that make it easier to keep track of group conversations and give you fun, engaging ways to express yourself.
Use MessagesLearn more on YouTubePhotos
Use the expanded editing capabilities in Photos to easily make simple changes and more advanced adjustments to your photos.
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