MacOSDefender.app wants access to control Safari.app.

Hi,

Try running Malwarebytes

Free Antivirus Replacement & Anti-Malware Tool | Malwarebytes

Please read:

macOS Sierra: Protect your Mac from malware

How to avoid or remove Mac Defender malware in Mac OS X v10.6 or earlier - Apple Support

Effective defenses against malware and other threats

Hope that helps.

I am on OS X 10.14 and had this. All the older advice was useless, re Activity Monitor etc. I ran the free Malwarebytes once, found a few things, restarted, no luck. But when I ran it again it found some more, and this time quarantine / kill quarantined / restart worked. p.s. I hate to say it here but the short-term workaround was to use Chrome while looking for solutions. I conclude that the bad guys are attacking Mojave/Safari with a new method.

This is DEFINITELY SPAM, backup important files and wipe you disk and reinstall macOS. This means MacOSDefender.app is controlling safari without you telling you since install MacOSDefender

if safari gets highjacked you can reset it

Force Quit Safari by pressing Command + Option + Esc keys.

Then restart Safari holding the Shift key.

Then Empty the Caches

Safari menu > Preferences > Privacy > Remove all website data. (This will also remove all history)

If you dont want to remove the History

Safari Preferences > Advanced

Check mark the Show Develop Menu then choose Empty Caches from Develop Menu .

Go to the Safari menu > Preferences... > Extensions. If you see any Extensions that you do not recognise or understand, simply click the Uninstall button and they will be gone.

Go to the Safari menu > Preferences... > Security, and ensure that Safari blocks both fraudulent websites and popups.

If the problem persists contact Apple Support

1800MYAPPLE

https://support.apple.com/en-au/contact

I conclude that the bad guys are attacking Mojave/Safari with a new method.

No, they are using the same, tired old method because it still works. They trick people into downloading and installing software from dubious sites including ones you think are ok, like CNET, Softpaedia, etc.

I am pretty certain MacOSDefender is malware.

I mean that they are not placing a visible app anymore, and they have the process set to respawn if you cancel it. So solutions to the old method won't work.

Sure they do. Don't download and install crap. It can't get onto your Mac unless you install it.

your welcome

I mean that they are not placing a visible app anymore, and they have the process set to respawn if you cancel it. So solutions to the old method won't work.