How to remove Mac OSX viruses

How to Protect a Mac With Anti-Virus

2012-01-21T15:27:00.000-08:00

Apple computers run on the Macintosh Operating System, also called the Mac OS X. This platform is considered by many to be much more secure than ordinary PCs that run on Windows. Therefore, many individuals with a Mac do not install any anti-virus security software. Anti-virus software, however, can protect against the few viruses that attack Mac computers. Installing anti-virus software on a Mac is simply an extra precaution. There are several brands of software that are designed to protect a Mac.

Instructions

Symantec AntiVirus for Mac

Close any unnecessary programs that are running, including Web pages. Download Symantec AntiVirus to your Mac. Double-click on the downloaded program file to start installation. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the program.
Click on "Mac OS X" when it asks you to choose your install drive. Click on "Install." Reboot your Mac when prompted.
Open the Symantec AntiVirus software. It will ask you if you want to install updates. Click "Yes" and wait for the Mac to install them. Restart your computer when prompted.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac

Place the Kaspersky Anti-Virus disc for Mac into the computer. Follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
Type in your Mac name and password on the menu when prompted and press "OK." Press "Close."
Double-click on the Kaspersky icon to open the program again. Click on "Activate" from the main menu. Click on "Activate using activation code" and press "Continue."
Type in the Activation code and press "Continue." Press "Finish" and "Close" when it successfully activates.

Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac

Place the Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac OS X into your disc drive or download the program from the website.
Double-click on the file to start installation.
Follow the instructions on your screen to install the program.

How to Delete a Program on an Mac iBook

2012-01-21T15:21:00.001-08:00

Mac iBooks are older versions of Apple's notebook computers. They range from the original colored iBooks to the G3 or G4 iBooks, and they do not use Intel chips like some later-model Mac notebooks. An iBook can run Mac OS 9 or Mac OS X from 10.1 to 10.4, in some cases. Deleting software programs on a Mac iBook is just like deleting them from any other Mac, no matter what operating system you're using.

Instructions

Look on your Dock or in your Applications folder to find the program you want to delete from your Mac iBook. The Dock is located at the bottom or side of your computer screen, and the Applications folder is in your hard drive.
Select the program by clicking on it once. This should highlight the program.
Drag-and-drop the program to the Trash icon in your Dock for Mac OS X, or in the lower right corner of the computer screen for Mac OS 9.
Empty the Trash icon by clicking on the Trash can and selecting "Empty Trash" for Mac OS X, or go to the Special menu in Mac OS 9 and select "Empty Trash" from the drop-down menu. Once the Trash can is emptied, the program will be deleted from your iBook.

Tips & Warnings

Find folders associated with the program you want to delete by running a search on your Mac and deleting each of the files manually. Most of these files will be on your hard drive in Library/Applications Support.

Do not delete files that may help other applications run. If you are unsure whether you need a file, do not delete it.

How to Defragment Files on a Mac Computer

2012-01-21T15:19:00.001-08:00

Older Mac computers won't auto-defragment their hard drives. You would need software like the Disk Defrag to do it. Read on to learn how to defragment files on a Mac computer.

Instructions

Download Disk Defrag from the Version Tracker website.
Install the program and run it.
Once that is done, select the hard drive that you wish to defrag and click on the "Defrag" button.
Your Mac will start to defragment the hard drive. You might want to leave the computer on overnight for it to complete its task.

Tips & Warnings

The process will take a while. It's best to do this just before going to sleep.

Do not defragment your drives too often as this increases wear and tear.

How to Defrag a Mac Computer

2012-01-21T15:11:00.001-08:00

You may notice a slight decrease in your Mac's performance over time as you rename files or move them between folders because these files become fragmented with each change. You can optimize your Mac's performance by defragmenting your hard drive. While the newest version of the Mac operation system, called Mac OS X, automatically defragments most files, you may still need to run a defragmenting program from time to time to check over all of the files on your hard drive.

Instructions

Shut down and then restart your Mac before attempting the defragmentation. Simply restarting your machine from time to time can take care of many minor performance problems.
Download a third party defragmeting program, as the Mac operating system does not come with a software program that allows you to run a defragmentation. Choose a program that offers extra options such as a thorough description of which files were modified during the defragmentation. You can find a variety of programs online that offer these sort of features, such as iFrag, Drive Genius, or Speed Tools.
Follow the software program's installation instructions to install it onto your Mac's hard drive.
Open the new program and navigate through it's options to find the defragment option.
Run the defragmentation, which could take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours depending on the size of your hard drive and how many files need to be repaired.
Check your important files after the defragmentation is complete to ensure that they were not deleted or corrupted and are still able to be opened normall

Tips & Warnings

Transfer any files that you absolutely need to an external device such as a jump drive or external hard drive before attempting to defragment, just in case something goes wrong and you accidentally lose the files.

Your Mac is much more likely to lose important data during the deframgentation process because the files are being actively modified, so make sure that you have a surge protector or backup power supply attached to your Mac before starting the process in case a loss of power or blackout occurs.

How to Defrag a Mac Hard Drive

2012-01-21T15:09:00.000-08:00

Defragging a Mac hard drive is a thing of the past because of the way that OS X manages files. After installing system updates or new applications, the computer will optimize itself. There are ways to periodically clean up your computer and defrag a Mac hard drive, but it can take a few hours and may not improve performance significantly.

Instructions

Defrag a Mac Hard Drive

Open the Disc Utility program, which is located in the "Utilities" folder of your "Applications" directory. Highlight your hard drive from the list and have the program repair the permissions. This is an easy way to correct some common computer errors which could be slowing your hard drive down.
Look for a program to defrag your computer. There are some free utilities that can work on your Mac hard drive, but you should seriously consider purchasing a program because of the stability and support that comes with a purchased product. Defragging programs include Disc Warrior and iDefrag (see Resources below).
Take steps to back up your data before you defrag a Mac hard drive. Data loss is unlikely with well-respected programs, but defragging is a long and extensive process, and you can never be too safe.
Plan to run your defragging program during a time when you won't need to use your computer. No matter which program you decide on, it can take up to several hours to defrag a Mac hard drive. Some companies even suggest running the program overnight.
Notice whether defragging your Mac hard drive improved your computer's performance. Opening applications and large files should be faster if only by a few seconds. If your hard drive is more than 75 percent full, the performance increase may be more noticeable.

Tips & Warnings

OS X automatically defrags files that are less than 20 megabytes. These files will make up the majority of your computer, unless you use it for specialized tasks such as software compiling or high-quality graphic design.

Backing up your documents and then erasing the computer's hard drive can be a crude, but inexpensive and effective way of defragging it.

Be sure that a defragging program can give you a detailed report of what was changed and how many files were affected by the process.

Clearing your computer's various caches, including those associated with your Internet browser, can also help speed up your machine.

How to Make Your Mac Run Faster

2012-01-21T15:06:00.000-08:00

The Mac OS, which runs your Macbook, Imac, Mac Mini, and even your Iphone, is a great operating system. Mac OSX is far superior compared to Windows Vista in terms of reliability, speed, and security. In general, the Mac OS is one of the most user friendly yet sophisticated operating systems ever.

Your Mac is capable of helping you run your life more efficiently, so why not return the favor and help your Mac run faster and stronger.

Many reasons why your Mac might be beginning to slow down has to do with simple, resolvable issues. This article will give you basic steps to get your Mac running the same way that it did when you first took it out of the box.

Instructions

1 First, let's check out your remaining disk space. Each model Mac comes with different size hard drive options. The Macbook that I am currently using has a 160gb hard drive.

If you have less than 50% disk space remaining, maybe it is time to clean up your hard drive. Search through your computer and find files that you might no longer use. Many people forget to delete the install programs from when they download software. These files have .dmg extensions, so look out for them. Look for programs that are no longer relevant to your life. Anything that you don't use on a regular basis, dump it.

Now, you can either delete these programs/files, or you can move it to an external hard drive. Many people have hundreds of gbs of music and pictures on their internal drives. Why not move them and store them on an external hard drive, that way your internal drive has more space to breathe.

If you are deleting the files, make sure that you empty your recycling bin when you are finished.

2 Next, take a look at how many programs that you are running at once. Realize that many Macs only have 1 or 2 gb of ram, plus no dedicated video card. That means that your computer can only handle a few programs at a time.

I noticed a huge improvement in performance when I closed just a few Mozilla tabs. You would not believe how much better your computer will run if you only keep a few programs/files open at a time.

3 Use Mozilla Firefox instead of Safari. Firefox is an open source web browser which means that it is absolutely free. In addition to it being free, Firefox in general is a much faster and more secure web browser than Safari. You're paying for all of that bandwidth every month, why not use it all?

How to Clean Up a MacBook Hard Drive

2012-01-21T15:03:00.000-08:00

We all do it---save every photo, every document and every video we like on our MacBook. The hard drive is almost full, and the computer is slow when accessing files. Running your MacBook with low disk space is not only pulling down performance, but also putting your system at risk for a crash. Here's how to clean up your Mac's hard drive and return some much needed space and speed.

Instructions

Save all of your personal document files to disc. These files include any word processing files, spreadsheets and database files. Label all discs for quick retrieval later.
Delete any personal document files you haven't open in one year from your hard drive. Since you have saved them to a disc, you still have copies of the files in case you need them later. Reorganize the remaining files into folders labeled for each application type--"Spreadsheets," "Databases" and so on.
Save all of your iPhoto and video files to disc. Delete the files from your hard drive. If you want to keep some of the files on your system, choose just your favorites.
Open iTunes and the other "i" family programs and copy or delete any music you no longer play or like. Don't forget to copy and delete any podcasts you may have.
Open your email client and delete any old emails and sent emails. If you must keep them, save them to a disc. Open your chat client and clear out any chat logs.
Delete any unused applications you have downloaded or put on the MacBook since you purchased it. Leave the Mac system files alone, and don't delete any applications that came with the system. Next, delete any unused icons from your desktop.
Open Safari, click on "Edit," then "Empty Cache" to clear any saved web pages. In Internet Explorer, click "Tools," then "Internet Options," then "Delete" under "Browsing History." A menu will appear, and you can then choose to delete temporary Internet files and other files.
Empty the system trash can and the trash can located within iPhoto.Your system clean up is complete.

How to Clear Temp Internet Files on a Mac

2012-01-21T14:59:00.001-08:00

Although temporary Internet files are helpful when accessing a site you frequently visit due to the stored information, these files can put your privacy at risk if spyware or malicious software gains access to the files. The key to keeping your identity safe is to delete your temporary Internet files after closing your browser. For additional protection, you can also use anti-spyware software to prevent spyware from retrieving personal information while your surf the Internet.

Instructions

Open your browser. Click the "Safari" icon and click "Safari" at the top of the screen followed by clicking "Empty Cache" from the drop-down menu. Click "Safari" again, followed by clicking "Preferences."
Click the "Autofill" tab and click "Edit" next to the "Other Forms" section. Click the "Remove All" button, followed by clicking "Done." Uncheck the box next to "Other Forms." Click the red button in the upper-left corner to close the box.
For FireFox, click "Tools" at the top of the browser and click "Clear Recent History." Select the time range to clear, and click "OK."
For Google Chrome, click "Chrome" at the top of the browser and click "Clear Browsing Data" from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can click "Chrome" and click "Preferences," followed by clicking the "Personal Stuff" button. Click the "Clear Browsing Data" and click the red button located at the left corner of the box to close it.
Restart your browser.

Tips & Warnings

Download anti-spyware software to protect your personal information from being intercepted by spyware while you surf the Internet. Anti-spyware software can be downloaded free or used for a trial period.

How to Clean a Virus & Trojan Off an Apple iMac

2012-01-21T14:57:00.000-08:00

While viruses and trojans designed to attack the Mac operating system are rare, they do exist and can wreak havoc on a user's computer once they have infected the system. Malicious software can open new security holes in your computer, delete important system files, download new threats and can generally make using your computer frustrating and difficult. Getting rid of infections on your Mac is similar to getting rid of them on a Windows computer.

Instructions

ClamXav

Download and install the ClamXav software by following the link in Resources.
Open ClamXav by clicking the icon on your dock.
Click "Start Scan" to scan your computer for malicious software files.
Delete all harmful files by dragging them into the trash.

iAntivirus

Download and install the iAntivirus software via the link in Resources.
Open iAntivirus by clicking the icon on your dock.
Click "Scan my Mac" to begin the scan.
Click "Remove threats" to get rid of any detected harmful software.

MacScan

Download and install MacScan using the provided link.
Open MacScan by clicking the icon on your dock.
Click "Scan" to being the scan.
Click "Remove threats" to permanently delete any detected malware.

How to Remove Trojans From Mac-Apple PCs

2012-01-21T14:54:00.001-08:00

A Trojan is a type of computer virus that appears to be a legitimate program, but instead has malicious intent. The difference between a Trojan and a traditional virus is the fact that a Trojan does not spread itself, rather, a Trojan is passed along by unaware users. Mac computer users who want to protect themselves from or remove Trojans have a few software options available to them.

Instructions

Install Avast! Mac Edition (see References). Avast! can protect your Mac from traditional viruses as well as Trojans. Start the Avast! application and choose to do a full system scan to remove any Trojans already on your system and be sure to run the software regularly to keep your system clean.
Download ClamXav (see References). This free virus checker can keep your Mac clear of Trojans and viruses that come from websites, emails and other sources. If you'd like to scan your entire system and remove any Trojans, start ClamXav and set the scan folder to the root of your hard drive.
Use iAntiVirus (see References). This application is also free and can guard your Mac computer against any Trojans, viruses or worms that may come your way. The iAntiVirus application also runs in the background, killing off threats as they present themselves. To remove Trojans from your Mac with iAntiVirus, start the program and choose a full system scan.

How to Protect your Mac running Windows from Spyware, Adware and Viruses

2012-01-21T14:34:00.000-08:00

Viruses, Spyware and Adware are virtually non-existent for the Mac Operating System. However, along with the release of Intel-based Apple Computers and the ability to install and run a Windows Operating System using Bootcamp or Parallels, a Mac can now be infected with many of the same viruses, adware and spyware, collectively called "malware". If your Mac computer does become infected with malware, it's most likely due to the Windows installation or bad internet browsing habits.

Instructions
Things You'll Need
An Apple computer running a Windows Operating System using Parallels or Bootcamp

If you're running Bootcamp or Parallels to use a Windows Operating System, first of all you will need to download and install an anti-virus program in your Windows installation. AVG Free is good, free anti-virus software.
Download and install spyware & adware programs Spybot Search and Destroy (also called Spybot S&D) and AdAware Free on the Windows OS.
Download and Install Windows Defender if you're running Mirosoft XP. Vista has this included. Internet Explorer 7 works well with Windows Defender to prevent adware and spyware from installing by themselves.
Scan your computer using AVG Free, Spybot & AdAware at least once a week.
Browse Smart! Use a more secure browser such as Firefox or Safari. Don't download anything from an untrusted source, watch out for gaming sites, be vigilant on social networking sites too.
Limit your Instant Messaging to people you know and keep strangers from contacting you. Don't download anything unless you're absolutely sure it's safe. This includes images.
Keep your email safe. If you're using Microsoft Outlook with your Windows OS installation on your Mac, install SpamBayes or another spam filter. Don't download any attachments from anyone unless you're expecting one from a friend or coworker. Disable images and your preview pane.
Disable Macros if you're opening a Microsoft Office document that you received from someone or somewhere else. Macro Viruses are easily transmitted from Mac to Windows computers. Keep Office updated.
Verify that System Restore is set up to take snapshots periodically. This will allow you to restore your system to an earlier state before your computer was infected with malware.
Watch out for Windows Updates. Keep your Windows Operating System installation up to date for the latest security fixes.

Tips & Warnings

AVG and AdAware have both Paid and Free versions. Their respective sites will outline the difference, but the free versions work very well.

The best way to prevent malware and viruses from infecting any computer is smart browsing, instant messaging and email habits.

If you're running a Windows OS on your Mac, treat it like you would any other Windows computer. Keep up with your virus and spybot/adware scans & Windows Updates.

Trend Micro has another free web-based Anti-Virus program called HouseCall. Install the Java Client (a small program) and you can run a scan from your browser.

Instead of AVG Free or Trend Micro, you can buy McAfee, Norton or any other paid AntiVirus software. Just be sure to keep up your subscription and updates.

Again, do not download anything from anyone unless you're sure it's OK. And even then make absolutely sure. If in doubt, don't download.

If your Windows OS does become infected and AVG, Spybot S&D or Windows Defender doesn't fix the problem, use System Restore, seek professional help, or re-install the OS.

How to Delete a Facebook Virus on a Mac

2012-01-20T13:39:00.001-08:00

Macintosh operating systems are highly immune to viruses, but there are some Trojans and other types of spyware that can maneuver their way into your computer. When an outside source such as Facebook downloads an unwanted virus onto your Mac, you can easily remove it yourself. There are also free programs available to Mac users on the Web that can help you keep your computer clean and running smoothly.

Instructions

1 Open the Finder window. Under Devices in the left side bar, select your Macintosh hard drive.

2 Double-click on the Library folder. Look for the folder that says "Internet Plug-Ins" and double-click on it to view its contents. This is where sites download malicious viruses onto your Mac.

3 Look for any plug-ins that have been installed onto your computer without your permission. The most common Trojan known to be harmful to Macs is titled "plugin.settings". Drag this file immediately into the Trash for removal. Remove any other suspicious plug-ins by dragging them into the Trash and then emptying it for permanent deletion.

4 Delete all suspicious Facebook applications from your account. To be as safe as possible, removing all outside applications is best. Do not grant applications the permission to access your information and computer.

How to Fix the 'Are You Surprised' Virus on a Mac

2012-01-20T13:37:00.001-08:00

How to Fix the 'Are You Surprised' Virus on a Mac
For years, Mac users did not have to worry about computer viruses, with the majority of viruses being targeted toward Windows or Unix operating systems. The Are You Surprised virus is a Microsoft Word macro virus that infects Macs running Word. Symptoms of the Are You Surprised virus include getting an error message stating the computer's disk is full when you try to save a Word document, and the filename in the save dialog box for the file being changed to “Are You Surprised” before Word is closed automatically. You can remove the macro virus without purchasing additional software for your Mac.

Instructions

1 Open Microsoft Word and choose “Word menu” and “Preferences.”

2 Select the “General' menu tab and select the “Enable Macro Virus Protection” checkbox.

3 Exit Word by pressing the “Apple" and "Q” keys simultaneously.

4 Double-click the “Macintosh HD” menu option and select “Users,” “Your Account Name,” “Library” and “Preferences."

5 Click the file labeled “com.microsdt.Word.plist” and press the “Apple" and "Delete” keys simultaneously to remove the first infected file.

6 Double-click the “Macintosh HD” menu and select the “Applications,” “Microsoft Office X” and “Template” folders.

7 Select the Word file labeled “Normal” and press the “Apple" and "Delete” keys simultaneously to delete the Normal template file that is infected with the macro virus.

8 Click on the “Trash” icon on the computer's dock menu bar and choose the “Empty Trash” menu button to complete removing the infected files.

9 Restart Word and change any of the default document settings that are not configured from deleting the infected Normal template. Open the Normal Word template by clicking "File" and "Open" and selecting the "Normal.dat" file found in the "Templates" directory. Change the default font, font size, margins and page layout and save the document. Exit Word.

10 Lock the Word Normal template file to prevent future infection by choosing “Macintosh HD,” “Applications,” “Microsoft Office” and “Templates.” Select the “Normal” template and press the “Ctrl” key followed by clicking the file again. Choose the “Get Info” menu option and click the “Locked” checkbox.

How to Eliminate Norton on a Mac

2012-01-20T08:40:00.001-08:00

Norton products, created by Symantec, are notoriously difficult to remove from Mac OS X. Although the programs have uninstallers, they typically leave various files on your Mac intact instead of erasing them. The only way to totally eliminate any trace of Norton products from your Mac is to run the RemoveSymantecMacFiles removal utility which you can download from the Symantec website.

Instructions

1 Go to the Norton website and click on the "Download Now" button for the Remove Symantec Mac Files program.

2 Double-click to open "RemoveSymantecMacFiles.zip" from your desktop.

3 Open the folder inside of the zip file and double-click on the RemoveSymantecMacFiles.command file that is located there.

4 Enter your administrator password and click "OK."

5 Type "1" and click "Return" on your keyboard. Wait for the Norton files to be eliminated from your Mac computer.

How to Remove Zedo From a Mac

2012-01-20T08:37:00.001-08:00

Zedo is a tracking cookie that stores information about your Internet habits and then uses the information to display pop-up advertising targeted to your specific tastes. Cookies are small pieces of information that your computer uses to exchange data with a website's server. Remove the tracking cookie from your Mac by employing your Web browser's security features, and make it a regular habit every couple of weeks to keep them from tracking your habits.

Instructions

1 Open the "Safari" browser application by clicking the "Safari" icon on the dock.

2 Click the "Safari" button on the menu bar and click "Preferences" in the drop-down menu.

3 Click the "Security" tab and click "Show Cookies." Click the "Remove All" button to remove the Zedo cookie from your Mac. Alternately, you can search through the list of cookies for the "Zedo" entry. Click the entry to select it, and click "Remove" to individually remove the Zedo cookie.

How to Detect eBlaster for a Mac

2012-01-20T08:35:00.001-08:00

Mac computers can run eBlaster software.
There are different types of eBlaster software available for Mac operating systems that allow you to monitor the activity on a computer when you are the administrator. The software is often used by parents to block websites and receive activity reports on the websites their children are going to. If you're not sure if there is eBlaster software running on your computer you can detect if it is viewing your computer's activity on the Activity Monitor.

Instructions

1 Log in to your Mac computer. You should have administrator privileges to make sure you can access the hard drive files.

2 Click on the "Macintosh HD" icon on your desktop and then click on the "Application" folder. Look through your applications to find any eBlaster software that has been installed.

3 Click on the "Utilities" folder. Click on the "Activity Monitor" and then the "Activity Monitor" window will appear.

4 Click on the "Process Name" option to make all of the monitored programs appear in alphabetical order. Look for any eBlaster software in the window and then click on it.

5 Click on the "Inspect" button from the top on the window. Click on the "Statistic" button to see all of the statistics concerning the eBlaster software running on your computer.

How to Detect Computer Monitoring on a Mac

2012-01-20T08:33:00.001-08:00

With so much important personal and professional information being stored on home computers, the issue of security is an important one. Spyware (illegal computer-hacking software) programs and computer monitoring are very real threats to computer users everywhere. So if you own a Mac and think your computer may be hacked or monitored, you can take action to protect yourself. All it requires is the simple download of an effective freeware (free software) program from the Internet and a few moments of your time.

Instructions

1 Open the Internet browser on your Mac and navigate to the homepage of a free anti-spyware site. Third-party software needs to be installed in order to find any spyware on your Mac. Two good options are Ad-Aware 6 and MacScan (see "Resources").

2 Click on the "Download" tab at the top of the screen and wait for the new window to load. Choose the "Free Download" option on this screen.

3 Enter your contact information when prompted and click "Download." Wait for the program to install on your computer. You can monitor the status by checking the progress bar at the bottom of the window.

4 Close your Internet browser after the software is installed and open the program by clicking on its icon on the desktop.

5 Perform a search of spyware on your Mac by clicking on the appropriate tab when prompted on the main menu page of the anti-spyware program. If the program discovers any spyware or third-party monitoring of your Mac, you can choose to disable it from the same menu page in the program.

How to Detect Computer Spying on a Mac

2012-01-20T08:31:00.001-08:00

With so much important personal and professional information being stored on home computers, the issue of security is an important one. Illegal computer-hacking software programs called spyware and computer monitoring are very real threats to computer users. If you own a Mac and think your computer may be hacked or monitored, you can take action to protect yourself. All it requires is the simple download of an effective freeware (free software) program from the Internet and a few moments of your time.

Instructions

1 Open the Internet browser on your Mac and navigate to the home page of a free anti spyware site. Third-party software needs to be installed in order to find any spyware on your Mac. Two good options are Ad-Aware 6 and MacScan.

2 Click on the "Download" tab at the top of the screen and wait for the new window to load. Choose the "Free Download" option.

3 Enter your contact information when prompted and click "Download." Wait for the program to install on your computer. You can monitor the status by checking the progress bar at the bottom of the window.

4 Close your Internet browser after the software is installed and open the program by clicking on its icon on the desktop.

5 Perform a search of spyware on your Mac by clicking on the appropriate tab when prompted on the main menu page of the anti spyware program. If the program discovers any spyware or third-party monitoring of your Mac, you can choose to disable it from the same menu page in the program.

How to Detect Keyloggers on a Mac

2012-01-20T08:27:00.001-08:00

A keylogger is software that records everything you type. It can be used to steal passwords, credit card numbers, PIN numbers, bank accounts and personal information. Although Macs are infected with keyloggers less often than PCs, they are not immune to the problem. There are several ways to detect a keylogger, from simply reviewing the processes running on the computer to using a spyware-detection program.

Instructions

1 Open the "Activity Monitor" in the "Utilities" folder under "Applications." This system tool will allow you to view the programs (processes) currently running on your computer.

2 Research any unfamiliar processes running in your "Activity Monitor." Critical system processes sometimes have unrecognizable names, however, and keyloggers may have a name that sounds legitimate. Do an Internet search to be safe.

3 Download and install TripWire or another intrusion-detection program. This type of software can be fairly difficult to use, but it will alert you when important configuration files are changed by a keylogger.

4 Download and install Little Snitch or another software firewall. This type of software alerts you when another program tries to connect to the Internet. It will detect a keylogger before it sends information over the Internet, and allow you to block it.

5 Purchase and install a spyware-detection program. Spyware-detection programs for Macs include MacScan and Internet Cleanup 5.0.

Tips & Warnings

To prevent keylogger installation, be wary of what you download. Although Macs are typically more secure than Windows PCs, always download files with caution. Be careful about who has access to your computer. A keylogger can easily be installed onto a computer, and an inexperienced user might unknowingly download malware. One of the best ways to avoid keyloggers is to make sure that your Mac is updated and has an updated firewall running. OS and browser updates are especially important because they often include fixes for security problems. If you find a keylogger on your Mac, remove it to prevent information theft. Virus scanners and spyware-detection programs can remove most keyloggers, but if that doesn't work, you may need to re-install your OS.

If you delete an important system process in the Activity Monitor, it could crash your computer or cause you to lose data. Always find out what a process is before acting on it. Some keyloggers are very hard to detect. The only way to be absolutely certain that your computer is free of malware is to perform a clean reinstall of the OS. This is an extreme measure, however, and should only be performed if you are fairly certain there is an undetected keylogger.

How to Check a MacBook for Spyware

2012-01-20T08:25:00.000-08:00

MacBooks can become infected with spyware, just like Windows operated laptops. Spyware can affect Web browsing, send out pop-ups, virus alerts and advertisements. Removing spyware from a MacBook is necessary in order to keep the system optimized and functioning properly. Not all anti-spyware programs are written to protect MacBooks, instead they are geared towards Windows protection. ClamXav is a free anti-spyware tool that is written for MacBooks and Mac OS X operating system.

Instructions

Things You'll Need

ClamXav

1 Obtain a free copy of ClamXav antivirus and anti-spyware program from clamxav.com. Click on "Download" link to obtain the files.

2 Install ClamXav to your MacBook.

3 Run a full scan of your MacBook. Click on "Choose what to scan..." and check "All Folders".

4 Click on "Report" once full scan has completed.

5 Select any spyware found in the "Report" tab. Choose to quarantine or delete spyware.

Tips & Warnings
Scanning the entire MacBook for spyware may take several hours

How to Free the Mac of Spyware

2012-01-20T08:22:00.000-08:00

Luckily for most Mac OS X owners (and the Apple marketing department), the systems are relatively free of viruses and spyware. However, every now and then you may come across something that bogs your system down. Albeit rare, trojans and spyware do in fact exist on Macs. Much like a rare bird in the South American rain forest, you know they are out there even if you never see one in person.

Instructions

OS X Anti-virus

1 Download and install your anti-virus of choice. There are a few solid options for the Mac. The big names in anti-virus all have Mac counterparts, but there are some great freeware options as well in the form of iAntivirus and ClamXav.

2 Run a complete scan of your Macintosh HD. Delete or quarantine any detected spyware or virus files.

3 Run System Update from the Apple menu. Wait for the program to check for any available updates to your Mac OS X system and programs. Install all the updates so that you are running the most up-to-date version of OS X. Apple periodically releases bug fixes and security updates to better protect your system from future threats.

4 Update your web browser. Using a modern, up-to-date web browser is an essential way of keeping threats at bay. Most modern browsers alert you when you are visiting sites that may cause your computer harm. Check for available updates from within your browser application by selecting "Check for Updates" from the menu bar.

5 Allow your anti-virus program of choice to run automated weekly scans. View the help files for instructions for your specific application. Doing this keeps your computer free of any new threats without you having to even think about it.

Tips & Warnings

Avoid downloading illegal software from torrent sites. Many Mac trojans and spyware has been connected with illegal Apple software products.

How to Kill Spyware on a Mac

2012-01-20T08:18:00.000-08:00

Apple's Mac OS X has been advertised as much safer for users than Windows operating systems. Far more PCs than Macs are in use worldwide, so more hackers have developed viruses and spyware for Windows computers. In 2005 one of the first anti-spyware programs for the Mac was developed, but the marketplace for Mac anti-spyware applications is still not as developed as that for the PC. If you want to protect your Mac from spyware and remove any current infections, you can use some of the anti-spyware software available to you.

Instructions

MacScan (Shareware)

1 Download MacScan, then double-click the downloaded DMG and drag the program to your "Applications" folder.

2 Click "Applications," then click "MacScan" to launch the application.

3 Click "Scan" to launch a scan of your system.

4 Click "Isolate" if MacScan finds any spyware to isolate and detain the spyware. Leave MacScan running so that it protects your Mac while you work.

iAntiVirus (Shareware)

1 Download iAntiVirus, then double-click the downloaded DMG and drag the program to your "Applications" folder.

2 Click "Applications," then click "iAntiVirus" to launch the application. IAntiVirus, while protecting your Mac from viruses, checks for all malicious software that affects Macs.

3 Click "Scan my Mac," then click "Normal Scan," followed by "Start Scan."

4 Click to "Quarantine" problems if they arise. This will fix any viruses or spyware that are infecting your Mac.

5 Close iAntiVirus after the scan is complete. It will still run in the background to protect you from future attacks.

DNSChanger Removal Tool (Free)

1 Download DNSChanger Removal Tool from cnetdownload. This tool removes the DNSChanger spyware only.

2 Double-click the download DMG to open the tool. Drag the tool to "Applications."

3 Click "Applications," then click "DNSChanger Removal Tool," to begin disinfecting your system of the spyware and Trojan.

How to Remove the OSX.RSPlug.A Trojan Horse from your Mac

2012-01-19T17:15:00.000-08:00

Remove the OSX.RSPlug.A Trojan Horse from your Mac

So far the only malicious software known to infect Macintosh Computers is called the OSX.RSPlug.A, a rather insidious Trojan Horse. It's not exactly a virus since it doesn't replicate itself, but it can cause some damage. The only way to get this malware on your computer is to download and install it, and enter in your administrator password.

This malware has been distributed by a video of a certain less-than-sane celebrity. As people have downloaded this video, they've received a message saying they don't have the proper codec to view it, and they're offered the "proper" codec as a download. When the "codec" is installed, it asks for your administrator password which gives it the permissions to run wild on your system.

The Trojan changes DNS information that re-routes all your web traffic to pornography and phishing sites. If you happen to know how to fix this and do, the Trojan Horse will change the DNS information back so your web surfing will still be compromised.

Here's how to identify if you have the Trojan, and what to do to remove it both with Virus Barrier and manually (if you're brave).

Instructions

Things You'll Need

Apple Computer running Mac OS X (10.4 +)
Virus Barrier or other Anti-Virus Software (highly recommended)

1 Update and run your anti-virus software. This is the preferred method to remove the Trojan Horse and repair the damage caused by the malware. If you choose not to use AV software, continue, but be very cautious.

2 Go to your root "Library" Folder. Click on your Hard Drive icon in the Finder and select the "Library Folder".

3 Navigate to the "Internet Plug-Ins" Folder.

4 See if there's a "plugins.settings" file in this folder. If that file is not in this folder, you're not infected.

5 Delete "plugin.settings". Either drag it to the Trash on your Dock or hit the Command Key and Delete at the same time.

6 Empty your trash. Right-click or Control-click the Trash icon on the Dock and select "Empty Trash".

7 Open "Terminal" (Applications > Utilities).

8 Type in "sudo crontab -l" (the letter L, and minus the quotes), hit Return, and enter your administrator password when asked. If it returns with anything other than "crontab: no crontab for root", you are most likely infected.

9 Type in "sudo crontab -r" (minus the quotes) and enter your administrator password. This will remove the scheduled "cron" job that modifies your Mac's DNS information.

10 Re-type "sudo crontab -1" (minus the quotes) to make sure that the delete process worked. If it did, you should see "crontab: no crontab for root".

11 Type "exit" (minus the quotes) in Terminal.

12 Restart your computer. Your Mac should now be clean!

How to Get Rid of Spyware on a Mac

2012-01-19T16:56:00.001-08:00

Macintosh computers are well-known to be safeguarded against malware and viruses. Mac operating systems have a reputation for security and stability, and Apple is vigilant about releasing free updates to eradicate new viruses.

In fact, there is no such thing as Mac spyware. Spyware is written exclusively for Windows operating systems. There are companies that sell Mac-specific spyware-removal tools and services to unsuspecting Mac users, but don't take the bait. Spyware is a PC-only problem.

That being said, no system is invulnerable to all malware. Cross-platform applications like Internet Explorer and MS Office can introduce bugs into your Mac OS. But there are things you can take to step up security. Just follow the simple steps below to protect your Mac from malware.

Instructions

1 Never download any files or programs you are unsure about While Macs can't actually run the executable files (.exe files) that often contain adware and spyware, other viruses are embedded in other file types. When downloading any file or program, make sure the source is secure and the site is reputable.

2 Use Mac-friendly web browsers. Internet Explorer was once the mainstay even for Mac users, but it is no longer supported for the Mac and it is vulnerable to viruses. The Safari browser that came as part of the your OS is an excellent choice, as are Firefox and Opera browsers.

3 Secure your Instant Messenger. Most IM programs have different levels of privacy filters. You want to set it to a fairly high setting that lets you screen any users who try to contact you for the first time. And again, don't download any files or images unless you are sure they are coming from a secure source.

4 Secure your email. Use the top-tier of spam filtering available on your email program. Never download attachments unless you trust the source and know what the attachment includes. And while it seems like a drastic step, it's a good idea to disable images, which can contain embedded malware.

5 Turn off/disable any macros you are using in MS Office when you are opening files you yourself didn't create. This includes files sent to you through email or distributed through a network. Even if you trust the source, any file created on a Windows OS system can transfer viruses to your Mac.

How to Protect your Mac from Spyware, Adware and Viruses

2012-01-19T16:38:00.001-08:00

Protect your Mac from Spyware, Adware and Viruses
The Macintosh computer is notoriously impervious to most viruses, spyware and adware that affects Windows-based computers. This is due to the stability and security that the Mac Operating System provides. If by any chance viruses and other malware pop up on the internet, Apple will quickly address these problems with a Software Update.

Instructions

Things You'll Need
An Apple Computer running Mac OSX

1 Browse Safe. Since Internet Explorer is no longer supported for the Mac OS, Safari, Firefox and Opera are three good and relatively secure browsers.

2 Don't download anything from untrusted sources. Many adware and spyware programs come in the form of an ".exe" executable. Since the Mac OS cannot natively run ".exe" executables, you're safe from malware embedded in these. Still, do not download from unsafe sites.

3 Make sure your email is secure. Don't download any attachments unless you're expecting them, and disable images. Most email clients for Mac like Mail.app and Thunderbird have built-in spam filtering.

4 Boost your privacy settings on your Instant Messaging Programs. All IM programs have privacy settings that allow you to filter who can contact you. Strange IM's from strange people may open your Mac computer to malicious software, adware and perhaps viruses. Don't download anything unless you're absolutely sure it's safe. That includes images.

5 Disable Macros if you're using Microsoft Office and you're opening a document that originated elsewhere. Office documents are one of the only ways viruses can infect both Mac and a Windows Operating Systems. Keep your Office software updated.