REDallas

Q: Safari Virus? Pop up won't go away

Today this popped up on my screen in Safari & won't go away. I've done Force Quit & Restarted Computer. Each time I open Safari this is on the screen. I'm running OS X 10.9.4

What do I do? Have I been hacked?

Safari Virus.tiff

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.4)

Posted on Sep 2, 2014 4:03 PM

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Q: Safari Virus? Pop up won't go away

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  • by REDallas,

    REDallas REDallas Sep 2, 2014 4:05 PM in response to REDallas
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 2, 2014 4:05 PM in response to REDallas

    This is what keeps showing up

    Safari+Virus.jpg

  • by Carolyn Samit,Helpful

    Carolyn Samit Carolyn Samit Sep 2, 2014 4:11 PM in response to REDallas
    Level 10 (123,925 points)
    Apple Music
    Sep 2, 2014 4:11 PM in response to REDallas

    It's malware ...  (not a virus)

     

    You haven't been hacked and do not call the 1-855 number. It's a hoax.

     

     

    Download and run the adware removal tool here >   The Safe Mac » Adware Removal Guide

     

    Easy, safe, and only takes a minute or two.

  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt Sep 2, 2014 4:31 PM in response to REDallas
    Level 9 (50,265 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 2, 2014 4:31 PM in response to REDallas

    It's not a virus. Do not download or install anything in an effort to fix it.

     

    1. If Safari is running, force it to quit as you did before.
    2. Hold a shift key while launching Safari again.

     

    If the scam webpage continues to appear write back for additional instructions.


  • by REDallas,

    REDallas REDallas Sep 2, 2014 5:15 PM in response to John Galt
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 2, 2014 5:15 PM in response to John Galt

    Thank you both! I ran the adware & it didn't work at first but as I worked through the other options in the removal guide it did work.

    I'm concerned that someone hacked into my computer from an online site to steal information. Is that possible?

  • by Allan Eckert,

    Allan Eckert Allan Eckert Sep 2, 2014 5:17 PM in response to REDallas
    Level 9 (54,065 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 2, 2014 5:17 PM in response to REDallas

    No

  • by John Galt,Helpful

    John Galt John Galt Sep 2, 2014 6:09 PM in response to REDallas
    Level 9 (50,265 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 2, 2014 6:09 PM in response to REDallas

    I'm concerned that someone hacked into my computer from an online site to steal information. Is that possible?

     

    From what you describe, no. Adware's typical goal is to convince you to spend money on something you don't need. If you were to call that telephone number they would gleefully accept credit card payment in whatever amount they can convince you to spend, for the answer that you just got on this site for free. That assumes they know what they're doing, which isn't guaranteed.

     

    A greater threat is that during the phone conversation, they convince you to install a remote access tool (a/k/a RAT - TeamViewer is an example of one) that would enable them to log in to your computer remotely for whatever nefarious purpose that may entail. Clearly you didn't do that.

     

    In an abundance of caution, go to the Safari menu > Preferences > Privacy, and select Remove All Website Data... > Remove Now.

     

    You will need to sign in again with all websites that require authentication (such as this one).

  • by REDallas,

    REDallas REDallas Sep 2, 2014 8:58 PM in response to John Galt
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 2, 2014 8:58 PM in response to John Galt

    Thank you so much for your help!!!