We have established that Apple is not immune to malware, and it is, in fact, more susceptible to infections targeting macOS systems. From ransomware to adware to Trojans, macOS has proven to be vulnerable to different types of malware that infects other operating systems.
APPLE SECURITY BREACH is one of the latest malware known to target Macs around the world. This malware disguises itself as an Apple security breach, which is a form of social engineering attack generally associated with an adware infection. This adware was designed to display unwanted ads and insert useless files on your macOS, causing it to slow down. The effects vary from case to case, but the danger remains the same.
If your Mac has been infected by the APPLE SECURITY BREACH malware and you’re not sure how to get rid of it, this guide should have what you need. We’ll discuss below the origins of this malware, how it spreads, and how to completely remove it from your Mac.
What is APPLE SECURITY BREACH?
APPLE SECURITY BREACH is a false positive that works in the same way as Apple Security Alert, AppleCare And Warranty, Critical Security Warning!, and other scams that target Apple devices. This error is usually displayed by a malicious website where users are redirected by potentially unwanted programs or PUPs. These malicious applications gain access to systems without consent. Additionally, they deliver annoying advertisements, gather personal information, and affect system performance if left to operate successfully.
Pro Tip: Scan your Mac for performance issues, junk files, harmful apps, and security threats
that can cause system issues or slow performance.
Special offer. About Outbyte, uninstall instructions, EULA, Privacy Policy.
These are the fake error messages you might encounter with APPLE SECURITY BREACH:
Support +1-747-263-0895
Communities
Apple Security Breach
Ios Security Crash
Transfering your Personal Data and Pictures
Call Apple Support (+1-747-263-0895)
More ways to: Visit an Apple Store , call , or find a reseller .
United States
Copyright © 2017 Apple . All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy Terms of Use Sales and Refunds Site Map Contact Apple
Warning!!
APPLE SECURITY BREACH!!
IOS SECURITY CRASH!!
Your Apple Device Has Been Locked Due to Security Reasons.
Contact Apple Technical Support (Toll-Free) +1-805-318-8844
Call +1-805-318-8844 immediately to connect with Apple Technical Support for installing the Protection Software.
More ways to shop: Visit an Apple Store, call + 1(833) 716-8022, or find a reseller.
United States
Copyright © 2017 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy Terms of Use Sales and Refunds Site Map
An updated version of the scam message reads:
This website has been blocked from automatically starting a call.
As seen in the error message, the brief notification allegedly comes from Apple support and claims that the security system has crashed. If you’re using Windows or another operating system, the scam will be so obvious and you will most likely not fall for it. But if you’re using a Mac and you get this warning saying that all your personal information and data is being transferred, you will definitely be alarmed.
The fake alert further scares the user by claiming a full computer lockout and prompts users to call the alleged tech support to resolve the seemingly dangerous situation. The criminals want users to call the supposedly Apple Technical Support for the installation of the Protection Software, which is probably another PUP or malware. The numbers used by these cybercriminals vary, but these are some of the numbers reported by users:
- 1-844-749-1071
- 1-800-457-5916
- 1-800-235-66
- 1-805-318-8844
- 1(833) 716-8022
- 1-866-855-3442
- 1-747-263-0895
- 1-800-711-9001
- 1-800-556-2901
- 0-800-310-1061
- 0-800-652-8775
The attackers behind this Apple security breach scam are trying to manipulate the affected users through intimidation and scaring tactics. Aside from displaying false claims, the website also shows a fake camera view and a fake FaceTime login screen, especially if you get the updated error message.
When you get this notification, do not call the provided phone number because the attackers might ask you to grant them permission to access your Mac remotely in the guise of troubleshooting the issue. However, all they actually want is to steal your credentials or install data-gathering malware. Just ignore the fake virus alert and close the website displaying the notification immediately.
What Does APPLE SECURITY BREACH Do?
The APPLE SECURITY BREACH error generally states that your Mac’s security system has crashed and encourages you to immediately call the phony Apple Technical Support to get instructions on how to install the protection software. You will also see a fake FaceTime Apple login screen telling you that you are unable to make calls at the moment. On top of that, the website will activate the user’s webcam and display the camera view in the login screen.
Keep in mind, however, that this APPLE SECURITY BREACH error is only a scam and has nothing to do with Apple. Cyber criminals, like the people behind the APPLE SECURITY BREACH scam, generate revenue by tricking vulnerable users into paying for technical support or apps that will supposedly fix the issue. However, the stated issues actually do not exist.
The attackers might also request remote access to your Mac in an attempt to fix the error. But once they are granted permission, they can do anything they want on your computer. They stealthily install malware or change your system settings. They can also gather sensitive information, such as passwords and login credentials. Others might claim to detect additional issues and offer help for more money.
Furthermore, when you see the login screen asking for your Apple ID (email) and password, the information that you type into these fields will be sent directly to the cyber criminals. Do not enter your credentials and do not click on the message. Simply close the browser and restart your Mac.
How Did APPLE SECURITY BREACH Get Into my Mac?
Most of the potentially unwanted programs, such as APPLE SECURITY BREACH, get into your computer when you recklessly download free apps from the internet. The developers of adware usually bundle their bogus apps with regular software to benefit from users who rush to finish the download and installation process.
Once the user installs the program using Quick or Recommended settings, they won’t be able to catch the potentially unwanted program bundled together with the legitimate software. Hence, it is recommended to always install software using Advanced or Custom settings.
Plus, it is necessary to not skip steps and look out for any suspicious marks, which might enable the installation of malware. For example, the software might come with a free toolbar or extension that you find suspicious. It is also likely for some apps to request permission to access settings that they shouldn’t have access to. If you find anything suspicious, uncheck them right away and examine your computer for cyber threats.
How to Remove APPLE SECURITY BREACH
The best way to deal with this malware is to never get it in the first place. So the moment you see any of the messages above, quit the browser and restart your computer. But if you accidentally clicked on the notification and you think your Mac has been infected, there are a few steps you can take to get rid of this malware.
Deleting the APPLE SECURITY BREACH scam requires a thorough scanning of your computer so that no leftover infected files are hiding somewhere ready to regenerate the malware.
Step 1: Quit All Processes Related to APPLE SECURITY BREACH.
The first thing you need to do is quit all the processes related to APPLE SECURITY BREACH because you won’t be able to uninstall it or delete its files while these processes are running.
To quit these processes, go to Finder > Go > Utilities > Activity Monitor, then look for the processes run by this malware, usually under the same name. Double-click on them, then click the Quit button.
Step 2: Uninstall APPLE SECURITY BREACH From Your Mac.
Open Finder and navigate to Go > Applications. This will give you a list of all the apps installed on your Mac. Look for APPLE SECURITY BREACH and drag the app icon to the Trash. If you’re having issues uninstalling APPLE SECURITY BREACH, you might need to boot into Safe Mode first. Empty your Trash after.
Step 3: Delete Leftover Files Manually.
Click on Go > Go to Folder from the Finder menu and copy and paste the following paths below to open them:
- /Library/LauchAgents/
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
Delete malicious items in these folders related to APPLE SECURITY BREACH.
Step 4: Scan Your Computer Using Your Antivirus.
The next step is to scan your Mac using a reliable Mac repair and cleaning tool to see if there are other threats that might harm your computer. You can also use this to thoroughly clean up all the leftover files of APPLE SECURITY BREACH.
Step 5: Undo the Changes to Your Browser.
With APPLE SECURITY BREACH gone from your computer, you can reset your browser to its previous settings. Follow the instructions below according to the browser you are using.
Uninstall any add-ons, plug-ins, or extensions that were installed by the malware. For major browsers, you just need to click the browser menu and go to Add-ons > Extensions. From there, you can remove the suspicious add-ons from your browser.
Change the homepage back to your preferred website by typing in the URL in the homepage section of the browser settings. Do the same for the default search engine and the new tab page.
Reset your browser to restore their settings to their default value. You just need to find the Reset or Restore button in the browser settings.
Summary
Prevention is still the best cure, so implementing a strict online security strategy should help you prevent getting this malware in the first place. But if you do, the steps above should help you get rid of it completely.