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What is the best Malware/Virus protection program for iMac - no silicone processor

For the second time my computer has been frozen with a loud and detailed warning telling me not to shut down the computer but to call Apple at a specific phone number. I now know it is a scam. I managed to get rid of it - I think - using Safe Mode and First Air and emptying everything that could be emptied. But now I feel I need to install some protection program. Clean My Mac nearly destroyed every file I had so I do not want that program. Any recommendations from a MAC specialist? iMac Retina 5K; 4.2 GHz; 1 Processor; 4 Cores, 16 GB

Posted on Aug 21, 2023 11:22 AM

Reply
7 replies

May 3, 2024 3:03 PM in response to dmj4u2

You need NO additional protection other than what Mac OS offers. If you have downloaded ANY third party;


  • Antivirus apps
  • Cleaning apps
  • VPN Apps
  • Security Apps
  • Maintenance Apps


Then you have put your Mac at risk. You did not call Apple, Apple will NEVER contact you for any security issues. If you need to call AppleCare please click the following link to locate the phone number in your general area: AppleCare Contact Info


If you did install any of the types of apps mentioned above, please locate the developers uninstall instructions and follow them.



May 3, 2024 12:27 PM in response to cicero2

Just like cicero 2, my computer has been frozen with a loud and detailed warning telling me not to shut down the computer but to call Apple at a specific phone number. Unfortunatly I did call the number but got what sounded like a fax machine...how is this going to effect me? I just shut down the Macbook. Can the call effect my iphone? (I15)

May 3, 2024 3:18 PM in response to dmj4u2

Consider whether the folks that have caused this chaos to get you to load apps aren’t then going to use those added apps to cause you yet more chaos.


Some of the add-on anti-malware apps have gotten fined for selling all sorts of personally-identified information.


Add-on anti-malware is increasingly indistinguishable from actual malware. And you’re reading an advertisement.


What usually works here: Restart Safari with the shift key held, and maybe clear saved data but only if necessary.

May 3, 2024 3:36 PM in response to cicero2

Extra protection is not nessecary. Apple computes have good antivirus and malware protection built in


If you think your Mac has malware you can always scan it with malwarebytes, but for the day to day protection there is no extra software needed. All that will do is interfere with the built in security of macOS, making your Mac less secure

May 3, 2024 3:14 PM in response to dmj4u2

dmj4u2 wrote:

Just like cicero 2, my computer has been frozen with a loud and detailed warning telling me not to shut down the computer but to call Apple at a specific phone number. Unfortunatly I did call the number but got what sounded like a fax machine...how is this going to effect me? I just shut down the Macbook. Can the call effect my iphone? (I15)

It's not going to affect you at all. It was a phishing attempt, apparently a rather inept one. Someone of less than sterling character was trying to trick you into giving up valuable personal information.

What is the best Malware/Virus protection program for iMac - no silicone processor

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