Is this a virus on my macbook?

Question

Level 1

8 points

Is this a virus on my macbook?

I was browsing a website and a popup came up that said ALERT (it was likely a fake apple or virus alert). Then all of a sudden a bunch of safari logos popped up at the bottom left corner of my screen and started moving up towards my download cursor at the top right side of safari, and hundreds of files starting being downloaded... The files are titled "Unknown," and close to 600 ended up being downloaded in my folder. It was very strange especially because a graphic had appeared at the bottom of my screen, of several safari logos being thrown up into my download folder. I will try and delete all the unknown files, but is this a virus and is my computer safe from trojans? What else should I do? I'm sorry if I haven't explained myself well, but I will attach some pictures to help anyone who needs more explanation... You can see in the pictures the ALERT tab which cause this, and then the unknown files being filled in my download folder.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)

Posted on May 18, 2018 10:56 AM

Reply

Answer 1

macjack

Level 10

111,204 points

May 18, 2018 11:54 AM in response to Al7RIAN

Generally speaking, you should always upgrade to the latest possible system that you meet the specs for, as long as you have no “must have” apps that do not meet the specs. Upgrades and updates contain important security improvements plus additional features.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201475

Before upgrading:

1. Backup. Anything can happen at any time,, so you should always keep a good backup. Make a bootable clone SuperDuper! or CarbonCopy Cloner or use TimeMachine.

2. Run Disk Utility > First Aid from your Recovery Partition

3. If you have issues on your present system don't compound them by installing over them. Solve them first then upgrade.

4 Check HDD for free space. At least 8.8GB of available storage. Preferably much more.

5. Check your applications for compatibility here…http://roaringapps.com/apps.

6. Disconnect all peripherals, including USB hubs.

7. After downloading the installer, it will be in /Applications folder. Duplicate it and then drag the copy it to another locations like Downloads, if you want to save the installer.

8. Be patient, the download takes a long time and the install may look like it has died at times. Ignore it.

9. If you have any doubts about upgrading, install the new upgrade on an external disk and test drive it first.

Reply

Answer 2

macjack

Level 10

111,204 points

May 18, 2018 11:02 AM in response to Al7RIAN

Just because they downloaded doesn't mean they installed. Did you give permissions for acting to install? If not, then all you have is a bunch of downloads to Trash.

You can also run Malwarebytes to be sure nothing got in. Malwarebytes was developed by one of our own colleagues here in ASC and is about the most proven anti-malware software for Mac.

In Finder go to your Downloads folder and choose all, then delete.

Reply

Answer 3

Al7RIAN Author

Level 1

8 points

May 18, 2018 11:18 AM in response to macjack

I accidentally clicked on a few of them, and it wouldn't even allow me to open them, one of them was in the form of a txt file, but nothing asked for permission to install, so I didn't give any. I just deleted them all through my trash, but at first it was taking a long time to go to my trash bin, and at one point I had to restart my computer because it said the trash bin or the files that are being deleted are in use. But after the restart I was able to delete all the files in my bin. I also downloaded Malwarebytes and it said everything is clean... Thanks for your response! Also one more question, should I upgrade my OS X to High Sierra? I am currently on Yosemite, would that prevent any security issues?

Reply

Is this a virus on my macbook?

Similar questions