I clicked on a link to a phishing scam. Now I'm trying to make sure my computer hasn't been compromised.
1) I have 171 processes running in the activity monitor (is that normal?)
2) I don't see any of the known malware programs on the list. But are there new ones that I should be looking for?
iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.2)
A phishing scam is nothing more than an email that asks you to send back the info they're trying to steal from you. They don't install anything. Delete the email and don't worry about it.
I clicked on the link in the email and got routed to a website. I'm concerned that action caused stuff to get downloaded onto my system.
There used to be a Java exploit (not JavaScript) that would cause an immediate download from an infected site, but that was patched almost two years ago now. It's very highly doubtful anything happened to your system.
1) I have 171 processes running in the activity monitor (is that normal?)
It's not abnormal.
Open Terminal, make the window as large as your screen will allow, then type the command ps -ax followed by the Return key.
All 171 processes will be displayed by name. Copy and paste the text in a reply, if you wish. Delete or obscure anything you consider personal.
The Terminal app is in your Mac's Utilities folder. Quit Terminal when you're finished with it.
phishing malware
