Has my computer been compromised?

Was trying to open a web site using my 2011 macbook pro. After clicking on the link undesirable photos started flashing on my screen for about 30 sec (couldn't get it to stop). Has my computer been compromised with a virus or key logger?


Posted on Jul 11, 2021 6:40 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 11, 2021 7:05 PM

pamckees Said:

"Has my computer been compromised?: Was trying to open a web site using my 2011 macbook pro. After clicking on the link undesirable photos started flashing on my screen for about 30 sec (couldn't get it to stop). Has my computer been compromised with a virus or key logger?"

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Two Major Thoughts:

A. Use Force Quit...:

Being it couldn't stop, first, you need to exit the apps and get to Finder (the Smileyface):  Once in Finder, use Force Quit...

Use Force Quit for each app:

  1. Go to: Apple menu
  2. Select: Force Quit...
  3. Select: an app
  4. Click: the Force Quit... button
  5. Click: the Force Quit... Button.
  6. Perform seeps 3-6 for all listed apps
  7. Restart your Mac


B. Scan your Mac for Malware: 

Use MalwareBytes for Mac --- This is software that searches for malware/adware. So, scan with it and then remove what is found. Once removed, uninstall MalwareBytes for Mac. Then restart the Mac.

Downloads:

  1. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac
  2. Malwarebytes Uninstaller
2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 11, 2021 7:05 PM in response to pamckees

pamckees Said:

"Has my computer been compromised?: Was trying to open a web site using my 2011 macbook pro. After clicking on the link undesirable photos started flashing on my screen for about 30 sec (couldn't get it to stop). Has my computer been compromised with a virus or key logger?"

-------


Two Major Thoughts:

A. Use Force Quit...:

Being it couldn't stop, first, you need to exit the apps and get to Finder (the Smileyface):  Once in Finder, use Force Quit...

Use Force Quit for each app:

  1. Go to: Apple menu
  2. Select: Force Quit...
  3. Select: an app
  4. Click: the Force Quit... button
  5. Click: the Force Quit... Button.
  6. Perform seeps 3-6 for all listed apps
  7. Restart your Mac


B. Scan your Mac for Malware: 

Use MalwareBytes for Mac --- This is software that searches for malware/adware. So, scan with it and then remove what is found. Once removed, uninstall MalwareBytes for Mac. Then restart the Mac.

Downloads:

  1. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac
  2. Malwarebytes Uninstaller

Jul 11, 2021 7:02 PM in response to pamckees

From the information given, it sounds like your macbook may be effected by adware.

If any of the following attributes have been noticeable with your computer, there are chances your laptop has been infected.

-Frequant Pop-Up Advertisements

-Noticeable Slowness

-Browser Issues (Bizarre Landing Site, Unresponsiveness, Frequent Crash, Random Undesired Redirections)

-Personal File Changes

-New Unseen Programs


This doesn't mean that you necessarily have a virus, although if multiple of the previous attributes are noticeable, you may need potentially to get the computer diagnosed at an Apple Store location.


If you have any further questions, respond!


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