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macOS Monterey Malware Attacks

I have been experiencing malware attacks with my always up to date iMac running macOS Monterey. The latest was against macOS Monterey 12.2. The name of the malware changes about every 2 to 4 weeks. So far they have been "EffectiveVision", "OptionFlow", and "PointAnalytics".


You first notice them when Safari (the latest one is version 15.3) slows down considerably. Then you notice that "Adblock Plus" has been removed from Safari. Finally, an inspection of the Applications Folder reveals a new folder titled EffectiveVision, OptionFlow, PointAnalytics, etc. Inside the folder is the malware application of the same name.


The website 'malware.guide' has a rather extensive write-up on what EffectiveVision does and how to remove it at https://malware.guide/adware/remove-effectivevision-mac-os-x-virus/.


I have notified Apple of these attacks, using "Feedback Assistant", each and every time I have been attacked. Does anyone know of procedures to prevent these attacks from taking hold before they are implanted?

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Feb 1, 2022 8:39 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 1, 2022 11:03 AM

   1. Remove adware if installed on your Mac..


       Run the latest release of Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware/adware, if installed on your Mac.


       For instructions: Install Malwarebytes for Mac v4      Uninstall Malwarebytes for Mac

       Click the “FREE DOWNLOAD” button.

       Click the “Scan ” button. Once done, quit Malwarebytes for Mac.

       Restart the computer and relaunch Safari holding the shift key down.

       Scan for Malware again.


       Additional steps  if necessary.

  2. Reset search engine:    https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/customize-your-search-ibrwe75c2a3c/mac

  3. Reset  Homepage.   https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/set-your-homepage-ibrw1020/mac 

  4. Remove unknown extensions:  Safari > Preferences > Extensions

      https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/use-safari-extensions-sfri32508/mac

5. Remove unknown cookie/cache

       Safari > Preferences > Privacy

      “Remove stored cookies and data: Click Manage Website Data, 

       select one or more websites, then click Remove or Remove All”

       Manage cookies and website data in Safari on Mac

Similar questions

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 1, 2022 11:03 AM in response to bobandris

   1. Remove adware if installed on your Mac..


       Run the latest release of Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware/adware, if installed on your Mac.


       For instructions: Install Malwarebytes for Mac v4      Uninstall Malwarebytes for Mac

       Click the “FREE DOWNLOAD” button.

       Click the “Scan ” button. Once done, quit Malwarebytes for Mac.

       Restart the computer and relaunch Safari holding the shift key down.

       Scan for Malware again.


       Additional steps  if necessary.

  2. Reset search engine:    https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/customize-your-search-ibrwe75c2a3c/mac

  3. Reset  Homepage.   https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/set-your-homepage-ibrw1020/mac 

  4. Remove unknown extensions:  Safari > Preferences > Extensions

      https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/use-safari-extensions-sfri32508/mac

5. Remove unknown cookie/cache

       Safari > Preferences > Privacy

      “Remove stored cookies and data: Click Manage Website Data, 

       select one or more websites, then click Remove or Remove All”

       Manage cookies and website data in Safari on Mac

macOS Monterey Malware Attacks

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