Q: I cannot open links on desktop

Go step by step and test.

1. Empty Caches

    Safari > Preference > Advanced

    Checkmark the box for "Show Develop menu in menu bar".

    Develop menu will appear in the Safari menu bar.

    Click Develop and select "Empty Caches" from the dropdown.

2. Delete Cookies

    Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and other website data:

    Click the “Details” button.

    Remove all cookies except  ones from Apple, your internet service provider and banks.

3. Safari > Preferences > Extensions

    Turn off Extensions if any and launch Safari again to test.

    Turn on those one by one and test.

You may have installed a variant of the "VSearch" ad-injection malware. Follow Apple Support's instructions to remove it.

If you have trouble following those instructions, see below.

Malware is always changing to get around the defenses against it. This procedure works as of now, as far as I know. It may not work in the future. Anyone finding this comment a few days or more after it was posted should look for a more recent discussion, or start a new one.

The VSearch malware tries to hide itself by varying the names of the files it installs. To remove it, you must first identify the naming pattern.

Triple-click the line below on this page to select it, then copy the text to the Clipboard by pressing the key combination  command-C:

/Library/LaunchDaemons

In the Finder, select

          Go ▹ Go to Folder...

from the menu bar and paste into the box that opens by pressing command-V. You won't see what you pasted because a line break is included. Press return.

A folder named "LaunchDaemons" may open. Look inside it for two files with names of the form

          com.something.daemon.plist

and

           com.something.helper.plist

Here something is a variable string of characters, which can be different in each VSearch infection. So far it has always been an alphanumeric string without punctuation, such as "cloud," "dot," "highway," "submarine," or "trusteddownloads." Sometimes it's a meaningless string such as "e8dec5ae7fc75c28" rather than a word. Sometimes the string is "apple," and then you must be especially careful not to delete the wrong files, because many built-in OS X files have similar names.

If you find these files, leave the LaunchDaemons folder open, and open the following folder in the same way:

/Library/LaunchAgents

In this folder, there may be a file named

          com.something.agent.plist

where the string something is the same as before.

If you feel confident that you've identified the above files, back up all data, then drag just those three files—nothing else—to the Trash. You may be prompted for your administrator login password. Close the Finder windows and restart the computer.

Don't delete the "LaunchAgents" or "LaunchDaemons" folder or anything else inside either one.

The malware is now permanently inactivated, as long as you never reinstall it. You can stop here if you like, or you can remove two remaining components for the sake of completeness.

Open this folder:

/Library/Application Support

If it has a subfolder named just

           something

where something is the same string you saw before, drag that subfolder to the Trash and close the window.

Don't delete the "Application Support" folder or anything else inside it.

Finally, in this folder:

/System/Library/Frameworks

there may be an item named exactly

            v.framework

It's actually a folder, though it has a different icon than usual. This item always has the above name; it doesn't vary. Drag it to the Trash and close the window.

Don't delete the "Frameworks" folder or anything else inside it.

If you didn't find the files or you're not sure about the identification, post what you found.

If in doubt, or if you have no backups, change nothing at all.

The trouble may have started when you downloaded and ran an application called "MPlayerX." That's the name of a legitimate free movie player, but the name is also used fraudulently to distribute VSearch. If there is an item with that name in the Applications folder, delete it. I don't recommend that you install the genuine "MPlayerX," because it's hosted on the rogue "SourceForge" website and is bundled with other malware.

This trojan is often found on illegal websites that traffic in pirated content such as movies. If you, or anyone else who uses the computer, visit such sites and follow prompts to install software, you can expect more of the same, and worse, to follow. Never install any software that you downloaded from a bittorrent, or that was downloaded by someone else from an unknown source.

In the Security & Privacy pane of System Preferences, select the General tab. The radio button marked Anywhere  should not be selected. If it is, click the lock icon to unlock the settings, then select one of the other buttons. After that, don't ignore a warning that you are about to run or install an application from an unknown developer.

Then, still in System Preferences, open the App Store or Software Update pane and check the box marked

          Install system data files and security updates (OS X 10.10 or later)

or

          Download updates automatically (OS X 10.9 or earlier)

if it's not already checked.

Hello Mark,

If you have installed some adware, the best solution is to download and run (what was formerly known as) AdwareMedic: http://www.adwaremedic.com/index.php

There is no way to ensure that "something.daemon.plist" or "something.helper.plist" is adware. They may be software that you have paid for and expect to be functional. Manually trying to delete files in these hidden directories is dangerous to begin with. I have seem a number of people here on Apple Support Communities destroy their data by following suggestions like this. Regardless, there is no reason to ever go into "Application Support" because this is not one of those special locations that is automatically loaded by the operating system.

<Edited by Host>

Use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac:

https://www.malwarebytes.org/antimalware/mac/

Fast, simple, safe and comprehensive.  Used with success by many other users and it is FREE.

Ciao.

Apple doesn't endorse any third-party "anti-virus" or "anti-malware" product. Here and here are its general statements about malware protection, and here are its instructions for removing the most common types of ad-injection malware. None of those support pages mentions "anti-malware" products.

An Apple employee who recommends such a product is speaking only for himself or herself, not for the company. See this thread for an example of what can happen.

No software is going to save you from the consequences of unsafe online behavior. Caution is the only reliable defense against malware attack.

You should not, of course, rely only on my opinion. Below are some comments by other ASC members.

Anti-virus software provides only extremely limited protection and can cause many problems in return.

Under no circumstances should you ever allow anti-virus software to delete something for you!

Best anti virus software?

NEVER allow anti-virus software to remove files from your computer, especially when those files are e-mail messages! Assuming the message even actually contains malware, removing it this way will corrupt Mail's mailboxes and doesn't properly remove the message from the server under certain common conditions.

my draft mailbox has disappeared! Where did it go?

Anti-virus software is almost universally bad on the Mac, and isn't necessary. It won't protect you well against adware, either.

My safari won't work unless I click a link?

There actually is malware that can affect Macs, but anti-virus software is not the most efficacious method for avoiding it.

where can I find FREE anti virus 2013

So, what is this anti-virus software protecting you from? Not a lot these days. In exchange for the very real possibility - though certainly not promise - of having trouble as a result.

Anti Virus for MacBook Pro

You can get by just fine without anti-virus at this time, though you should be aware of dangers and be cautious online.

do you need to add an anti virus on mac pros

Remove unnecessary software such as anti-malware and software that promises to clean your Mac.

Can I get my iMac refurbished?

You don’t need to install antivirus software on a Mac unless you’re running Windows on it or frequently exchange files with people running Windows.

Is OS X Yosemite 10.10 is safe without anti virus

It's not a virus. Pursuing an "anti-virus" solution is inappropriate and will cause other, unrelated problems.

Can someone recommend anti virus, anti malware

Another vote for no anti-virus.

Do I need an anti virus for my MacBook Pro?

Third party anti-virus tends to cause issues when Apple issues OS X updates, so it's not advised to install them.

Harden your Mac against malware attacks

You do not need anti-malware software on your Mac.

sophos anti virus

You do not need anti-virus software.

Thinking of buying new iMac do I need anti virus...

You really do not need such software.

Do i need an antivirus for my macbook pro 2012

You don't need any AV software. Don't bother with it.

Best Anti-Malware OS X 10.8.2

There is no need for additional antivirus software. Most commercial antivirus software is junk and some of it is harmful.

None. You really, really don't need any.

The statement still stands that no anti-virus software should be installed.

what is the best antivirus for my mac?

Before installing any commercial anti-virus software (choosing one that isn't a scam or harmful is a daunting task), tell us the symptoms.

I think I have a virus or malware on my macbookpro

There are no viruses for Mac OS X, so you don't need anti-virus software. It will only feed your fear of a virus by giving you false-positive warnings, and slow down your system considerably. You don't need it.

Suspicious processes in activity monitor

There are many discussions about anti-spyware and anti-virus software on this forum.  I believe that the general consensus is that none is needed.

Is there any need to use a Firewall, anti-spyware...

No Antivirus is the best option to keep your Mac running, since Macs don't get viruses and antivirus software only slows down the computer.

what is best 2015 antivirus program for my iMac

The implied assumption is that your iMac doesn't already have what you need, and that you have to purchase and install additional software. This is a common misconception. There will always be threats to your information security associated with using any Internet - connected communications tool... Assuming that any product will protect you from those threats is a hazardous attitude...

Is anti-virus software necessary for my iMac?

To be honest with you, most of the Anti Virus programmes available will create problems rather than protecting the user’s mac.

which virus scanning programs are best?

OS X has its own protection built-in and updated by Apple when you install system updates. You do not need to install any protection yourself.

is there an apple/mac approved virus scan product...

The best thing for you to do is get rid of any malware on the computer and uninstall any anti-malware software you have installed.

Upgrade to SSD??

YES, there is. It is built into Mac OS X. All you need to do to use it is keep Mac OS X up-to-date.

This built-in Anti-Virus works better and is far less obtrusive than any third-party stuff you can add on. Most of the third-party anti-Virus add-ons are JUNK.

Is there An anti-virus program for a Mac Book Pro

Virus protection applications are not needed at this time.

Don't bother with antivirus.

Anti-Virus

In fact Mac does not need any anti-virus applications.
Most of the anti-virus applications make Mac sluggish.

I use NO antivirus or 'protective' software and for the 6 years I have used Macs, I have suffered no problems.

I installed Trend Micro Smart Surfing for Mac...

Macs do not need any AV protection at this time.

Does my new Macbook Pro need Antivirus?

I don't have any installed and tried one for a few months and decided it only took up space and deleted it.  Paid AV applications seem to slow a Mac down or worse.

does mac pro need an anti virus or not?

Take that anti-virus out.  You don't need it.

Macbook got really slow

Do you have any third-party anti-virus or internet security software installed?

My machine continually freezes up. What can I do...

If you have any 'cleaning', performance or anti-virus applications, they are all unnecessary and should be deleted.  Often they are culprits for slowing down a MBP.

My MacBook Pro is getting very slow...

Often third party applications can be a cause of slow performance, especially so called performance/cleaning applications as well as Anti Virus applications.  Both of these are not necessary.

Gray Screen of Death, Harddrive full?

Anti-Virus software or any so called 'cleaning' applications are prime offenders.

Noise and heat on current 15" macbook pro models?

Antivirus software does more damage to Macs that the malware does.

Anti Virus

We spend far more time here on the support forums cleaning up problems with antivirus software than we do cleaning up problems with viruses.

Anti-virus software picking up "Exploit Script ..."

You do not need antivirus for the Mac under any circumstances.

Viruses, windows, and parallel 6 -?

Virus scanners really aren't that good. They often identify programs from their competitors as viruses - go figure!

My Word Doc attachments arrive to PC's with a virus

I put zero faith in anti-virus tools-either to find anything or to fix it.

MS Word documents open but aren't visible

You don't need any anti-virus software on the Mac. If you have any, it will only cause problems.

TSR Apps

Get rid of your Mac anti-virus software. Chances are, it does more harm than good.

Very Confused

The only malicious software is the anti-virus or "clean up" software itself.

.scr virus on portable hdd

Linc, you're taking my words out of context and trying to make them say what you want them to say. Those are all old quotes, applying to specific things, all pulled from posts long before Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac even existed. If you were even-handed with your searches, you would also be able to find cases where I have recommended anti-virus software, based on the specific situation, the anti-virus software in question and the malware climate at the time.

Further, I know you're already perfectly aware of this. We have had disagreements before when, due to the malware climate and anti-virus software available at the time, I did recommend that people use anti-virus software. I find it difficult to believe that you don't recall those numerous events, which means you are knowingly misrepresenting my beliefs.

The question of whether or not to use of anti-virus software is a controversial topic, and one that cannot ever have a definitive answer. All answers MUST depend on what the current malware threats are and what the characteristics of currently available anti-virus software are. At times, I have certainly recommended against anti-virus software, and at times I have recommended the use of some specific anti-virus programs.

Since the current climate mostly only includes the threat of adware, I currently recommend the use of tools that are good at detecting and removing adware. And I don't believe it to be an exaggeration at all to say that my own software, formerly AdwareMedic and now Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac, is the only truly effective tool that is available in that arena.

The only tool that anyone needs to detect and remove adware is the Finder.

Linc Davis wrote:

 

Apple doesn't endorse any third-party "anti-virus" or "anti-malware" product. Here and here are its general statements about malware protection, and here are its instructions for removing the most common types of ad-injection malware. None of those support pages mentions "anti-malware" products.

What Linc Davis fails to mention is that Apple does NOT discourage the use of third party applications for solving various problems and it never has.  The reader should understand that there can be and often are better and simpler alternatives than just what is available from Apple.

An Apple employee who recommends such a product is speaking only for himself or herself, not for the company. See this thread for an example of what can happen.

You should not, of course, rely only on my opinion. Below are some comments by other ASC members

Note that the discussion that Linc Davis alludes to is in regards to Sophos, not Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac.  The fact is that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac has been recommended by Apple telephone support personnel and genius bar technicians because it is fast, effective and comprehensive and BETTER than the Apple alternative.   Do not be mislead by Linc Davis trying to shift your attention what expert Apple employees have determined to be a method of solving your problems.  No where does Linc Davis shows that there are risks associated with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac that can damage your MBP.

I agree that you should not rely on his opinion.  There is the concept in jurisprudence of telling the truth and the WHOLE truth.  In this regard, Linc Davis is avoiding providing all of the relevant facts and I submit that you should be most wary of his opinions in this case.  Consequently I suggest that this is a disservice to the reader and requires corrections on his part.

Ciao.

thomas_r. wrote:

 

Since the current climate mostly only includes the threat of adware, I currently recommend the use of tools that are good at detecting and removing adware.

Current? You mean it isn't 2006 anymore?

And how ironic is it the problem described in Linc's link from 2006 was on a PPC Mac and was actually solved using 3rd party antivirus? Apparently the OP in that thread really did have a Word Macro Virus. Those were the good 'ole days, weren't they? No adware. No tech support scammers. No intel chips. No scam-ware. And I had a lot less grey hair too.

At this time, the only 3rd party anti-malware product I would recommend is (what was formerly know as) AdwareMedic - and this is in spite of its new name. My recommendation may change in the future. Maybe a better Mac AV program will come around. Maybe Malwarebytes will self-destruct. I can't predict the future. But if anyone from 2024 is reading this post, please don't use this thread to justify whatever crusade you are on by then. Thanks.