Apple Security Alert pop up on Mac

You see this error message while browsing the Internet on your Mac:

"Apple Security Alert"

It asks you to call a support number so they can fix it. This error is fake and is not connected to Apple.

Why did this happen?

Apple Security Alert is a FAKE pop up, caused by a potentially unwanted application installed on your Mac. You may unwillingly ran it from deceptive pop up ads, free software installers or other third-party file downloads.

Apps that have a clickbait-sounding name are oftenly used by malicious attackers to lure users to install their software.

How to remove fake Apple security alerts?

Download Antivirus One – the hassle-free solution for removing dangerous pop-ups and alerts from your web browser. Or, follow these manual steps:

1. Remove Suspicious Login Items

1. Go to > System Preferences...> Users & Groups.

   

2. Make sure your profile is highlighted and the lock icon is unlocked, then click the Login Items tab.

   

3. Click on any recently added suspicious applications, then click the - (minus) sign to disable the application.

2. Remove Suspicious Profiles

1. Go to > System Preferences > Profiles.

   

   If there are no installed configuration profiles, the Profile icon will not show.

   If you never set up a configuration profile and you can see a Profile icon, there might be a suspicious profile installed on your Mac.

2. Click the - (minus) sign to remove suspicious profiles.

   

3. Restart your Mac.

3. Stop Suscpicious Processes

1. Go to Activity Monitor.
2. Check under Process Name if there is a running process related to Apple Security Alert.
3. Click the process and hit the X icon.

4. Delete Potentially Unwanted Applications

1. Open Finder.
2. Click Go > Applications.
3. Look for any recently added suspicious application. You can also check these apps that may have caused the Apple Security Alert pop up:
   • MacKeeper, MacAutoFixer, CleanMyMac, Advanced Mac Cleaner, Mac Adware Cleaner, SpeedUpMyMac, MacBooster, My Mac Mechanic, Mac Optimizer Pro, Mac Clean Pro, Quick Mac Booster, MplayerX, Presonsinatize
4. Drag them to the Trash.

5. Remove malicious extensions

If you cannot determine what an extension does, or you do not expect to use it again, you should uninstall it.

• Remove malicious extensions in Safari:
  1. Open Safari.
  2. Go to Safari > Preferences....
  3. Click Extensions. Check for any malicious extension, then click the Uninstall button.
• Remove malicious extensions in Chrome:
  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Go to ⋮ > More Tools.
  3. Click Extensions. Check for any suspicious extension, then click the Remove button.
• Remove malicious extensions in Firefox:
  1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
  2. Go to ⋮ > Add-ons.
  3. Click Extensions Check for any suspicious extension, then click the Remove button.

6. Remove related files and folders

1. Open Finder.
2. On your keyboard, press COMMAND + SHIFT + . at the same time to show hidden files.
3. Click Go > Go to Folder....
4. Type the following locations below one at time, then click Go:
   • ~/Library/LaunchAgents
   • /Library/LaunchAgents
   • /Library/LaunchDaemons
5. Delete any recently-added suspicious files you want to delete by dragging and dropping it to Trash.
6. Restart your Mac.

7. Reset your browser

Before resetting, back up your favorites/bookmarks first. This will uninstall add-ons, delete browser history, reset your homepage and remove all custom settings.