Virus-like problems

Hi. I am using iOS 10.2. I am writing on my iPhone 7. I've been having a series of glitches: Settings that seem to auto-adjust despite restrictions, duplicate log-in screens and duplicate authentication code messages, passwords that are recognized only on occasion (not mistyped, not in keychain), blocked access to Apple Care service (but I hope not this forum), lost docs, options that are gray-out only sometimes, unrecognized activity like an unknown telephone number showing up in reminders (junk number, now blocked), aliases that I can't remove. I decided to reset my Mac Pro laptop to factory settings (it wasn't working well). I didn't restore it from backup; the data is on a g-drive. I had also cleared and taken all my Apple devices off iCloud then as well. All of this was done a week ago. The problems didn't go away. I am horribly unsavvy with tech. But I wondered if it was perhaps related to a browser or server. I was checking my Safari history, and I saw gstatic.com. I wasn't sure what it was, so I typed gstatic into Search. I saw articles about a virus. I cleared my history. But gstatic.com (as 0 bytes) shows up in Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data. Is that a concern? Could it have triggered some of the problems I have been having? If so, what steps should I take? And is there a particular device I should start with? My devices are all Apple products. I haven't yet researched this. I thought I would start here. I am not at all tech savvy, but I do take the standard security precautions of regularly changing passwords, always changing passwords in response to any message about suspicious activity, trying not to click on unfamiliar links, using 2-factor authentication, etc. I don't have unusual apps or software; my web browsing is very limited. I appreciate any help you can offer. And sorry for the over-sharing and exceptionally long question. Thank you!

iPhone 7, iOS 10.2

Posted on Jan 7, 2017 5:58 PM

4 replies

Jan 7, 2017 6:23 PM in response to Community User

Hello, I am sorry that you are having these problems, as it can be scary when you don't know what is going on. Can you go to Safari-Preferences-Extensions and see if there are any there? Also go to System Preferences-Users & Groups-Login items and tell me what is there. This sounds like malware, but it is odd that the problems did not stop after restore. Lastly go to -About this Mac, and tell me what version is running on your MacBook. I hope we can solve this!

Nov 12, 2018 12:19 AM in response to Danny Dorazio

I am already indebted to you for understanding that it is scary--not to mention annoying and time-consuming. I am still writing from my phone, but here are the answers. If screen grabs are helpful, I can switch devices to supply.


Safari -- no extensions

Nov 12, 2018 12:19 AM in response to Danny Dorazio

Hi! So sorry! Below the line is the full answer (pressed REPLY inadvertently)


-----

I

am already indebted to you for understanding that it is scary--not to mention annoying and time-consuming. I am still writing from my phone, but here are the answers. If screen grabs are helpful, I can switch devices to supply.


1) Safari -- no extensions


2) System Preferences

Current user [my name]

Managed, Mobile


Other Users

Guest User

Off


3) MacOS Sierra

Version 10.12.1

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15 inch)


I so appreciate any advice you may have.


Thanks!

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Virus-like problems

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