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Fake security alerts

I can't get rid of fake security alerts on my MacBook. I have removed all extensions, cleared cache, removed all cookies and data stored from websites. Also ran several scans from multiple antivirus software companies that claim they identify and remove all malware. Scans come back clean but the popup security alerts keep appearing.

How do I identify and delete them from my Mac.


2015 MacBook Air

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Jun 16, 2023 8:51 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 9, 2023 2:25 PM

Are those "security alerts" appearing in the upper right corner of your Mac's screen? Those are website notifications. Stop them by following these instructions.


  • Go to Safari's Preferences (or Settings) menu > Websites > Notifications, and remove everything there.


For reference: Change Websites settings in Safari on Mac - Apple Support


Don't allow websites to send you Notifications unless you are 100% certain that you want that kind of harassment. Refer to Customize website notifications in Safari on Mac - Apple Support. Deselecting "Allow websites to ask for permission to send notifications" will prevent those websites from even asking your permission to be harassed by them.


... Also ran several scans from multiple antivirus software companies that claim they identify and remove all malware.


Do not download or install anything. Those things are scams. If you already downloaded or installed something in an effort to rid your Mac of Notifications, uninstall whatever it was you downloaded or installed. Follow their respective uninstallation instructions, assuming you can find them, and that they work.

7 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 9, 2023 2:25 PM in response to thekidsalright

Are those "security alerts" appearing in the upper right corner of your Mac's screen? Those are website notifications. Stop them by following these instructions.


  • Go to Safari's Preferences (or Settings) menu > Websites > Notifications, and remove everything there.


For reference: Change Websites settings in Safari on Mac - Apple Support


Don't allow websites to send you Notifications unless you are 100% certain that you want that kind of harassment. Refer to Customize website notifications in Safari on Mac - Apple Support. Deselecting "Allow websites to ask for permission to send notifications" will prevent those websites from even asking your permission to be harassed by them.


... Also ran several scans from multiple antivirus software companies that claim they identify and remove all malware.


Do not download or install anything. Those things are scams. If you already downloaded or installed something in an effort to rid your Mac of Notifications, uninstall whatever it was you downloaded or installed. Follow their respective uninstallation instructions, assuming you can find them, and that they work.

Jun 18, 2023 9:25 AM in response to thekidsalright

Thanks for reaching out thekidsalright,


It sounds like you're seeing fake security alerts. We can help.


Keep in mind that in addition to the places you've checked, websites themselves can have popups too. Check out these steps to Block pop-up ads and windows in Safari:


Avoid interacting with pop-ups

Unless you’re confident that they are a legitimate ad, avoid interacting with pop-ups or webpages that seem to take over your screen.
* If you see an annoying pop-up ad in Safari, you can go to the Search field and enter a new URL or search term to browse to a new site. If you don’t see the Search field on your iPhone or iPad, tap the top of the screen to make it appear.
* Some pop-ups and ads have fake buttons that resemble a close button, so use caution if you try to close a pop-up or ad. If you're not sure, avoid interacting with it and close the Safari window or tab.
* On your Mac, you can quit Safari, then press and hold the Shift key while opening Safari. This prevents Safari from automatically reopening any windows or tabs that were open. 



Update your software

Always install the latest software updates for all of your Apple products. Many software releases have important security updates and may include improvements that help control pop-ups.
The safest way to download apps for your Mac is from the App Store. If you need software that isn’t available from the App Store, get it directly from the developer or another reliable source, rather than through an ad or link.


Check Safari settings

On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Safari.
* Turn on Block Pop-ups.
* Turn on Fraudulent Website Warning.
On your Mac, open Safari and choose Safari > Settings (or Preferences) from the menu bar.
* In the Websites tab, you can configure options to allow or block some or all pop-ups.
* In the Security tab, turn on the setting to warn when visiting a fraudulent website.



Hope that helps.


Take care.


Fake security alerts

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