Spliwave? Mac OS
The maximum version of Mac OS X, OS X, or macOS supported by each G3 and later Mac follows. For complete specs on a particular system, click the name of the Mac. For all Macs that are compatible with a specifc maximum supported version of Mac OS X - courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort - click the OS of interest. Silver Sparrow Security firm Red Canary discovered malware targeting Macs equipped with the M1 processor. The malware is dubbed Silver Sparrow, and uses the macOS Installer Javascript API to.
How to remove MAC OS Is Infected With Spyware from Mac?
What is MAC OS Is Infected With Spyware?
'MAC OS Is Infected With Spyware' is another fake error message that shares similarities with Website You Visited Infected Your Mac With A Virus, You Mac May Be Infected By A Virus!, Mac OS Security, and many others. This error message is displayed by a number of deceptive websites. Most visitors arrive at these sites inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) or intrusive ads delivered by other rogue sites. As well as causing redirects, potentially unwanted applications record sensitive information and deliver intrusive advertisements.
This error message states that the system is infected with high-risk malware. The infection must be eliminated immediately. Therefore, users are encouraged to contact Apple Support center via the telephone number ('+1-844-295-3111') provided. Be aware, however, that 'MAC OS Is Infected With Spyware' is fake and Apple has nothing to do with this. After contacting 'tech support', users are asked to pay for services that are not needed - your computer is probably safe and virus free. Cyber criminals generate revenue by tricking gullible users into paying for unnecessary services. Therefore, ignore 'MAC OS Is Infected With Spyware' and never call the aforementioned telephone number. This error can be removed simply by closing the malicious site, however, some of these sites employ scripts that prevent users from closing browsing tabs/windows. In these cases, the browser should be terminated using Task Manager. After re-running the browser, do not restore the closed session, otherwise the malicious websites are reopened.
Many potentially unwanted applications gather sensitive information including Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, keystrokes, etc. This usually includes personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who generate revenue by misusing private information. Therefore, the presence of) that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, intrusive ads often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience. In addition, they often redirect to malicious websites and execute scripts that download and install other potentially unwanted applications or even high-risk malware. Therefore, clicking them can lead to system infections. For these reasons, all potentially unwanted applications must be eliminated immediately.
Name | 'MAC OS Is Infected With Spyware' virus |
Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus |
Scammers Telephone Numbers | +1-844-295-3111, +1-866-399-8722, +61-1800-572-283 |
Related Domain(s) | chrmophotograph[.]host |
Serving IP Address (chrmophotograph[.]host) | 108.161.135.215 |
Symptoms | Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information. |
Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
As mentioned above, 'MAC OS Is Infected With Spyware' shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors. All claim that system is damaged, however, these claims are merely attempts to trick users into purchasing unnecessary services or useless software. Potentially unwanted applications also share many similarities. Most claim to provide 'useful functionality', however, these claims are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimacy. PUAs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than giving any real value for regular users, these applications pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Some potentially unwanted applications have official download websites, however, most infiltrate systems without consent, since developers proliferate them using intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called 'bundling'. Developers hide 'bundled' applications within 'Custom/Advanced' settings or other sections of the download/installation processes - they do not disclose this information properly. Furthermore, many users are likely to rush download/installation processes (skip steps) and click various advertisements - behavior that often leads to inadvertent installation of rogue apps. In this way, users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. The key to safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Remember that developers invest many resources into intrusive ad design, thereby making them seem legitimate. Once clicked, however, they redirect to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on). If you see these advertisements, immediately eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, you are strongly advised to download your programs from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers are often monetized using the 'bundling' method, and thus these tools should never be used. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Text presented in 'MAC OS Is Infected With Spyware' pop-up:
WARNING!
MAC OS is infected with Spyware and other malicious applications. Spyware must be removed and system damage repaired. It is necessary to Call Apple Support +1-844-295-3111 and follow Virus removal procedures immediately, please proceed.
** If you leave this site your Mac OS will remain damaged and vulnerable**
The removal of (3) Spyware is required immediately to prevent further system damage, loss of Apps, Photos and other files.
Traces if (1) Phishing/Spyware were found on your Mac OS X. Personal and banking information are at risk.
Appearance of 'MAC OS Is Infected With Spyware' pop-up scam (GIF):
Another variant of 'MAC OS Is Infected With Spyware' pop-up scam (the pop-up text is exactly the same, yet crooks use a different telephone number - '+1 (888) 903-0938')
Another variant of 'MAC OS Is Infected With Spyware' pop-up scam:
Example of 'MAC OS Is Infected With Spyware' scam designed to download text files in order to load (and potentially freeze) the browser:
Screenshot of the downloaded text file:
Appearance of 'MAC OS Is Infected With Spyware' pop-up scam imitating mouse movement (GIF):
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for MacBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Potentially unwanted applications removal:
Remove potentially unwanted applications from your 'Applications' folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select “Applications”. In the applications folder, look for “MPlayerX”,“NicePlayer”, or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Spliwave Mac Os Update
Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Remove 'mac os is infected with spyware' virus related files and folders:
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents
In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/Application Support
In the “Application Support” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, “MplayerX” or “NicePlayer”, and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware-generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents
In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons
In the “LaunchDaemons” folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”, 'com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
Spliwave Mac Os Catalina
If you have followed all the steps in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure your system is not infected run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file double click combocleaner.dmg installer, in the opened window drag and drop Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates it's virus definition database and click 'Start Combo Scan' button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays 'no threats found' - this means that you can continue with the removal guide, otherwise it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
'MAC OS Is Infected With Spyware' virus removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove 'mac os is infected with spyware' virus related Safari extensions:
Open Safari browser, from the menu bar, select 'Safari' and click 'Preferences...'.
In the preferences window, select 'Extensions' and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the 'Uninstall' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove 'mac os is infected with spyware' virus related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the 'Open Menu' (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose 'Add-ons'.
Choose the 'Extensions' tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Remove' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove 'mac os is infected with spyware' virus related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the 'Chrome menu' (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose 'More Tools' and select 'Extensions'.
In the 'Extensions' window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Trash' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Spiceworks has a tough time identifying and scanning Apple devices running OSX if Spiceworks is not configured to scan with an Administrator account, if your Mac does not have Remote Login (SSH) enabled, or if your Mac's firewall is blocking SSH access.
Use these steps to get your Mac properly configured:
4 Steps total
Step 1: Create an Administrator account
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From the System Preferences page, select Accounts. Click the + button in the bottom left to add a new user.
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Be sure to select 'Administrator' in the 'New Account' dropdown.
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Note: To make this easier, use the same Account name (username) and password for each one of your Macs.
Step 2: Enable Remote Login
From the System Preferences page, select Sharing. Check the Remote Login checkbox, and be sure to 'Allow access for' either All Users, or only the new Administrator account you created in the previous step.
Step 3: Configure the OSX firewall
From the System Preferences page, select Security. Click the Firewall tab, and ensure the Firewall is 'off'.
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The OSX firewall is off by default. If the firewall is on, click the Advanced... button and ensure you have Remote Login (SSH) listed as 'Allow incoming connections'. Also be sure 'stealth mode' is not checked. This ensures Spiceworks can ping your Mac, and use SSH to scan your Mac on port 22.
Step 4: Configure Spiceworks to use your new Administrator account
You're ready to rescan! Be sure you have Spiceworks configured to use the new Administrator username and password we setup in step 1 above.
You will need to complete these steps on each Mac device on your network if Spiceworks is not finding all of your Macs.
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Remember, to make this easier use the same Account name (username) and password when configuring each one of your Macs.
References
- Apple - About Remote Login, OpenSSH
- Apple - Allow a remote computer to access your Mac
15 Comments
Spliwave Mac Os X
- Jalapenowehttam Jan 14, 2014 at 03:15pm
Have you had any trouble adding OS X Mavericks to your scan?
- Ben.B (Spiceworks) Jan 14, 2014 at 05:48pm
Haven't had any reports - if you do have a problem with a Mac running Mavericks we'd like to hear about it, though! Could you post up here? http://community.spiceworks.com/topic/new?forum_id=2
- Pimientodennis.wurster Aug 29, 2014 at 08:43pm
This works fine, but I can't recommend turning off the firewall. Better to allow incoming connections for SSH while the rest of the firewall is intact.
The 'OS Kernel' field on the scan reports is useless to Mac Adminstrators, though. As of this writing, it lists a value of 'Darwin 13.3.0'. This is accurate, but is not valuable. We need the version of the System, not of the Kernel. System Version values would report '10.9.4' instead, for example. I've submitted a question/topic via Ben.B's link above. Would love to submit a feature request, but I'm not sure where to do this. - Ben.B (Spiceworks) Aug 29, 2014 at 09:09pm
Thanks for the feedback Dennis. I think the firewall is disabled by default in OSX (at least that was my thinking when I wrote the steps) - I agree, though, its better to open up access through the firewall for just SSH, instead. I'll open up a feature request internally on the OSX version for ya.
- PimientoDannoJB Apr 1, 2015 at 08:39pm
Struggling a little to get my head around root access required, shared across the estate that is then opened through ssh to a spiceworks server potentially hosted in the cloud... doesn't seem safe?
- Ben.B (Spiceworks) Apr 1, 2015 at 09:47pm
Hi Danno, typically you run scans using Spiceworks on a local network, rather than from the cloud. Administrative (root) access is required to run some of the SSH commands we execute to collect the various information we pull into Spiceworks for you.
- PimientoJHamel Jun 19, 2015 at 05:03pm
I've used this method and it works, but the company I work for has approximately 40 other macs, and I do not want to go to each one manually. Is there a way to automate this process/perform remotely?
- Ben.B (Spiceworks) Jun 19, 2015 at 08:00pm
It looks like this should be possible using Configuration Profiles. Here's some info on that: http://training.apple.com/pdf/wp_osx_configuration_profiles_ml.pdf and https://www.apple.com/support/osxserver/profilemanager/
I haven't done this before, but it looks like OSX Server has an app called Profile Manager that allows you to create configuration profiles, which can then be deployed to your Macs.
- Anaheimjddj Jun 24, 2015 at 06:07pm
Any update if you can enable remote login thru OSX profile manager, that is the only thing i'm missing. If not possible, anybody knows how to push a script to be run by macs during start up, just to start the ssh service
Thanks
- Ben.B (Spiceworks) Jun 24, 2015 at 06:16pm
Hey guys, if you don't get any replies on this here from other Apple experts you might be able to get a reply by posting in the Apple group here on the Community. Surely someone out there is using profile manager... https://community.spiceworks.com/hardware/apple
- AnaheimJason Rasmussen Mar 23, 2016 at 07:45pm
I have multiple Macs on premise, and this has worked in the past, but with the new El Capitan I cannot get Spiceworks to scan it.
- Ben.B (Spiceworks) Mar 24, 2016 at 08:34pm
Hey Jason, I just retested/confirmed with 10.11.4 (El Capitan), and this tested out ok. Once I enabled 'Remote Login' (SSH) in Settings > Sharing, I was able to manually login via SSH using my admin credentials. I ran a scan with the same credentials and got a good scan - so we should able to scan them for you. If you're having trouble getting your Macs scanned in we can help you sort it out - just email us at support@spiceworks.com. :)
- PoblanoDave MacMedix Nov 23, 2016 at 06:53pm
I just started with SpiceWorks, and my network has mostly Macs. Because there is no DC, I went to each Mac, (via remote control screen sharing which was already enabled), added a new admin account in Users & Groups, gave it admin privs, then opened the Sharing System Preference & enabled 'Remote Login' allow it for only this 1 new account.
Older Macs, like OSX 10.4 aren't as selective, they either have Remote Login on or off, they can't enable SSH for just selected accounts. SpceWorks seems not able to scan the even older G3 Macs running Mac System 9. (Yes, there are some still pre-OSX Macs in play, they just keep going - Since the 1990's!).If you don't give Admin privs to this account, SpiceWorks will still get some info, but not all the great info you'd like to have.
As for the account password, you have 2 choices.
Use the same username AND the same password for all machines. OR
Use different usernames and different passwords for each machine.
What does NOT work is to use the same username and different passwords for each machine.I did run into one problem; You must not enable Remote Login on a SFTP server. That is a conflict on port 22 (probably after you reboot) and only 1 service will win. You probably want your SFTP server to serve SFTP, so leave that alone. If you really want to scan your SFTP server, you could disable the SFTP service, enable SSH Remote Login, scan it, disable SSH, and launch the SFTP server again.
I don't know that an agent would be any easier, (I actually don't know) but if it could run on an unused port (not 22) that would be nice.
- Ben.B (Spiceworks) Nov 23, 2016 at 08:22pm
Thanks for the response, Dave. I don't think we've done any testing with pre-OSX. Sorry that doesn't work. Its pretty cool that you still have some of them running since the 90's!
We are working on a Mac agent (currently in testing) that might help for the machines where you have an SSH/SFTP port conflict. Look for an announcement on that in the coming months. :)
- PimientoDeskue Feb 24, 2019 at 04:33pm
Hello All,
Trying to scan a Macbook running Mojave and SW says that the device was scanned but still only giving me basic information like device name.