What do I do if I have a harmful virus?

Question

Level 1

8 points

What do I do if I have a harmful virus?

One day I just opened a link(said something about "watch this for free!").I wasn't sure if it was like pirating movies or something. I clicked on something on the website (from the link) and I guess it gave me a virus because this notification (picture below) happens when I use google. One has popped up before saying something about turning on incognito because of third parties. I did turn on incognito. I have already shut down my computer before with no problem(well it died on me with low battery). What can I do to get rid of this? I didn't call the number yet or anything, should I? I don't know how to get rid of this virus. Please help me.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, I have a Harmful virus-erases data

Posted on Jun 12, 2016 1:24 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Niel

Level 10

726,629 points

Jun 12, 2016 1:26 PM in response to _BlueJay_

That’s a scam popup, not a virus. The instructions for removing it depend on which web browser you’re using.

(142884)

Reply

Answer 2

Esquared

Level 6

12,385 points

Jun 12, 2016 1:27 PM in response to _BlueJay_

It's not a virus. Reed this: Phony "tech support" / "ransomware" popups and web pages

Reply

Answer 3

mende1

Level 10

93,538 points

Jun 12, 2016 1:28 PM in response to _BlueJay_

Welcome to Apple Support Communities

I would ignore that message. It even refers to an EXE file that you cannot open in OS X, and it tells you to contact with "our MS Technicians" even if you are using a Mac.

Apart from that, you may want to have a look at this user tip for additional steps -> Phony "tech support" / "ransomware" popups and web pages

Reply

Answer 4

John Galt

Level 10

140,906 points

Jun 12, 2016 5:41 PM in response to _BlueJay_

The message is fraudulent. There is no "virus". Do not take any action based on the information it presents, because it is a criminal attempt to defraud you. Do not call the number.

For proper disposition please read Phony "tech support" / "ransomware" popups and web pages.

Edit to add: FYI previously posted replies are not appearing until posting a reply... again.

Reply

Answer 5

Jun 12, 2016 6:54 PM in response to _BlueJay_

As mentioned, its pure and utter garbage. Your OS X machine cannot run Microsoft's .NET framework to begin with. I've actually even had that popup on a Linux CentOS 7 machine when using FireFox. It's just predators (what other term is there for these SPAM/PHishiing trollers) rolling the dice on people's ignorance and fears over their devices and data.

Reply