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Level 1

1 points

Malware Spyware : MagicJack I Need Help

3 days ago I purchased and installed the MagicJack in my MacBook, then after 5 trial phone calls I started reading the reviews and I immediately decided not to use it any more, because the potential spyware or keystroke logger software that may be included on it, so I disabled my Macbook connection to internet until I can Uninstall the MagicJack software (which is apparently very difficult) and/or run a qualified spyware removal application.

I found in the discussions and reviews that "MacScan" spyware removal and "AppZapper" uninstalling software would be some of the alternatives I may have to completely remove any files installed by MagicJAck, so I can start using my MacBook again.

-I will appreciate your advise on this matter and what is best way to do it : to remove the MagicJack first ant then run the spyware removal or the other way around?

Message was edited by: Wana1

MacBook and e-mac, Mac OS X (10.5.7)

Posted on Jun 4, 2009 10:22 AM

Best reply

nerowolfe

Level 6

13,090 points

Posted on Jun 4, 2009 10:56 AM

If you have a TM backup, simply revert to the OS you had before installing the malware.
If you do not have a backup prior to your installation of the malware, then you might scan your computer at
http://macscan.securemac.com/
You might also look into
http://www.freemacsoft.net/AppCleaner/

After reading the not-so-fine print about this product, I am surprised anyone gets it.

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25 replies

Wana1 Author

Level 1

1 points

Jun 6, 2009 7:05 PM in response to V.K.

Could you tell me How can I find the installer in MagicJack? I dont have that much experience on such tasks.
And if there is a list of installed/altered/,modified files, how can I get it, not only to use it to remove or restore in some way the modified files but to also post it, so other people can use it for the same purpose.
I would like to try that first, then as Cornelius suggest, to use any of the uninstalling applications he mentions and finally to search and delete any remaining files according to your instructions.
regards

Message was edited by: Wana1

KJK555

Level 4

2,900 points

Jun 6, 2009 11:07 PM in response to Wana1

Search the /library/Receipts folder for receipts and BOM files, they can be very helpful in finding and
removing applications files.

Kj

Wana1 Author

Level 1

1 points

Jun 7, 2009 3:44 PM in response to KJK555

Thanks I will follow your instructions, to see if there is anything left after I tried to remove as much Magicjack files as I could in the following way:
1.-I Downloaded AppZapper, searched for MagicJack in applications , there was nothing. So I opened MagicJack dock's icon menu and selected :"show in finder" , and a file named "softphone" was shown in finder , then from it I dragged to AppZapper two files: "options.ini " (4KB Document)and "splash" (492KB Application)
2.-Then I found in my Home folder a folder named ".magicjack" (36.1MB Application) which I couldn't dragg to AppZapper, so I "moved it to Trash".
3- • I dindn't find nothing in /Library/Startup Items, nothing in Library/LaunchDaemons, and nothing in Library/Agents.
4- • Then I run MacScan in authenticated, Full Scan Mode
• Final report said: 63 spyware detected (mostly cookies, some from Firefox)

Wana1 Author

Level 1

1 points

Jun 7, 2009 8:52 PM in response to KJK555

To:
KJK555
-I found nothing related to MagicJack in Library Receipts neither on BOM files and nothing that had been modified since the day before I connected (and installed) the VOIP device to this day.

-I hope I no longer have any remains of that malicious software in my MacBook, but not been 100% sure my only alternative now is to wait and check for signals of possible spyware activity like unwanted e-mails, weird behavior of my computer, or not authorized use of my personal information etc. Unless there would be another way to double check that the removal was 100% effective.

-I'll post any new related issue and/or a final status if every thing goes back to normal.

Thanks so much to all of you, your help and assistance have reduced to a minimum my worries.

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Jun 8, 2009 1:41 PM in response to Wana1

Wana1:

Hopefully you got it all. Post back with any new developments.

😉 cornelius

KJK555

Level 4

2,900 points

Jun 8, 2009 8:58 PM in response to Wana1

Most likely there isn't much meat to their application. Voip apps are generally small. Hiding
the app in an invisible folder doesn't naturally inspire much confidence in their company
though, makes me wonder about their integrity. I am sure glad you tested the water for
me, at least I know now I will find something else to throw that $19.95 at, like a round of Pizza
for the Family or something. 🙂

Kj

Jun 10, 2009 12:05 PM in response to nerowolfe

Just wondering, can any information be transfered from your CPU to the magicjack module itself?

nerowolfe

Level 6

13,090 points

Jun 10, 2009 12:42 PM in response to albert d d

albert d d wrote:
Just wondering, can any information be transfered from your CPU to the magicjack module itself?

Anything is possible with software, or nearly so.
I have never used this product, nor will I ever. Just watching one of TV infomercials is enough to turn me away from the product. Besides I already have a phone - one is enough. 🙂

Message was edited by: nerowolfe

Wana1 Author

Level 1

1 points

Jun 11, 2009 9:04 AM in response to KJK555

yeah, after the struggling experience I went through,I am 100% sure a round of Pizza for the Family or something else would give you the peace of mind that I did'nt have after installing the Magic Jack
Regards

Wana1 Author

Level 1

1 points

Aug 22, 2009 11:06 PM in response to Wana1

Well, it has been almost 3 months since I tried to remove the MagicJack application and I have not noticed any unusual behavior on my MacBook since then, so I can say that the recommended removal process effectively unistalled the unwanted software. Thanks again to you all for your wise recommendations.

Malware Spyware : MagicJack I Need Help