HT5246: About Flashback malware removal tool

Learn about About Flashback malware removal tool
Nancy286
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Do I need to install the flashback malware removal tool?

Do I need to install the flashback malware removal tool?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Apr 16, 2012 2:08 PM

by Kappy,Solvedanswer
Kappy Kappy
Level 10 (271,323 points)
Desktops
A:

There is nothing to find. If you downloaded and installed via Software Update then you are fine. There is nothing the user needs to do afterwards except for the suggestions made to further protect your system such as turning off Java in your browser.

Posted on Apr 16, 2012 2:23 PM

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Nancy286

Q: Do I need to install the flashback malware removal tool?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Apr 16, 2012 2:09 PM in response to Nancy286
    Level 10 (271,323 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 16, 2012 2:09 PM in response to Nancy286

    Helpful Links Regarding Flashback Trojan

     

    Visit Thomas Reed's site for insight and help: Mac Malware Guide

     

    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. However, be careful about what you do as new variants of the malware circumvent the efforts of earlier tools.

     

    Also see Apple's article About Flashback malware.

     

    Apple has released Java updates for Snow Leopard and Lion users:

     

    Java for OS X Lion 2012-003; available only for users of Lion with Java installed.

    Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 8; available only for users of Snow Leopard.

    Flashback malware removal tool; available only for users of Lion without Java installed.

     

    Install whichever shows up in Software Update. It removes the malware (if present), updates Java (if present) and tightens up Java settings for the future.  You may download from Apple's web site instead of using Software Update, but it's important to know which one to get, because the other two won't work for you.

     

    For the truly paranoid see 10 Simple Tips for Boosting The Security Of Your Mac.


  • by Nancy286,

    Nancy286 Nancy286 Apr 16, 2012 2:21 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 16, 2012 2:21 PM in response to Kappy

    Good to hear from you Kappy.  I may be overthinking this issue, but do I need to do anything with the version downloaded?  My Mac asked for the update, I downloaded it successfully and now I can't find it on my computer at all.  Do I need to do anything manually to activate it or is it somewhere doing its gig on its own?

  • by Kappy,Solvedanswer

    Kappy Kappy Apr 16, 2012 2:23 PM in response to Nancy286
    Level 10 (271,323 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 16, 2012 2:23 PM in response to Nancy286

    There is nothing to find. If you downloaded and installed via Software Update then you are fine. There is nothing the user needs to do afterwards except for the suggestions made to further protect your system such as turning off Java in your browser.

  • by Nancy286,

    Nancy286 Nancy286 Apr 16, 2012 2:41 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 16, 2012 2:41 PM in response to Kappy

    Pheww....you saved me!  I thought I was an idiot and have been looking for this all afternoon. 

     

    I've recently updated to an iMac from an eMac.  There are so many updates and changes, I am a little overwhelmed with how easy everything is.  I used to work much harder to accomplish my tasks!!!  This is one.

     

    Any suggestions to bring me up to speed more quickly than wandering?  I need to edit a movie...haven't used iMovie before.  Seems like HELP is very slow and inspecific.  A friend suggested getting new manuals...had a strange name like lost manuals?

  • by Nancy286,

    Nancy286 Nancy286 Apr 16, 2012 2:58 PM in response to Nancy286
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 16, 2012 2:58 PM in response to Nancy286

    One more thing...I dont believe I ever installed Flashback malware...that is my dilemma.  I downloaded successfully but couldn't find a box to install. 

     

    I turned off Java in my web browser.  Thanks again.