over the weekend I clicked on an website and as soon as I did I started to get pop-ups telling me that
Safari my browser is infected with a virus and it keeps popping up, How do I get rid of it how much of a threat is it because my security is up to date and no threats have been detected
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 14.6
When you see such messages, the first thing to do is carefully close this page (or pop-up). The message itself isn't a threat unless you click on it and download something on your Mac.
Still, I recommend checking your applications folder for any apps you don't recognize.
You should also check your login items (Apple menu > System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions) and browser extensions (Open Safari, then click Safari > Preferences > Extensions) and remove anything you don't remember installing.
You can also run an antivirus scan if you already have a trusted antivirus installed.
When you see such messages, the first thing to do is carefully close this page (or pop-up). The message itself isn't a threat unless you click on it and download something on your Mac.
Still, I recommend checking your applications folder for any apps you don't recognize.
You should also check your login items (Apple menu > System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions) and browser extensions (Open Safari, then click Safari > Preferences > Extensions) and remove anything you don't remember installing.
You can also run an antivirus scan if you already have a trusted antivirus installed.
It is disingenuous at best to refer to what amounts to your personal endorsement of the execrable "MacKeeper", a product that should never be installed in any Mac.
If you want to advocate for its use, then do so directly, without obscuring your true intentions by hiding it via a link to your User Tip.
Thanks.
To the OP: There are no viruses that can affect macOS, nor any that affect Safari, nor is there any justification for installing anything in response to these common scams.
Rule 1 of Macs is don't install junk.
There are no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling UNIX Foundation and Permission Limitation.
The Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that cannot be opened by the User nor by Third Party Applications.
The Only thing this Antivirus software is protecting is the Bank Account of the Developers and for zero return to the User aside from the problems this software creates.
The Built in Security is all that is required to protect the computer.
Protecting against malware in macOS
There is Adware & Malware which will affect the computer and is generally downloaded from “ Shady “ Websites or Developers who Inject this software into the download.
From a well written User Tip from @Kurt Lang
What is malware? - Apple Community
What should I do if Safari shows virus pop-ups?
