How to Remove MacProtector/Mac Defender from Your Computer

MacDefender and MacProtector are highly advanced Trojan horse programs designed to either bilk you into giving your credit card number or annoy you until you do so (by spamming you with its installer or with explicit images). This program can easily be removed, but it is a moderate level threat.
STEPS

1

DO NOT INSTALL THE PROGRAM. This may sound foolish, but MacDefender can only get on your Mac if you go through the installation process. Quit the installer, find all of the files associated with the program, and put them in the trash bin. Uncheck the "allow safe files to download" setting in Safari (This ensures that the program cannot reinstall its main components). Finally, reboot your computer. If you are still experiencing problems, or if you have already downloaded the rogue software, read on.

2

YOU CAN CLEAR YOUR ACCOUNT AND RESTORE YOUR SETTINGS FROM AN EARLIER BACKUP. Clearing all of your data seems drastic, but if you were a responsible computer user, you should have a recent backup of all of your data. Simply clear all information from the settings, find your install disk, and hook up your back up drive.

3

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A BACKUP, BUT YOU HAVE SOME TECHNICAL KNOW-HOW, THIS METHOD SHOULD WORK WELL. Go to the Terminal application, and type in the following code:
ps -ax | grep -i (Insert name of program; could be MacDefender, Mac Protector, or MacSecurity)
kill XXXX
If this was executed properly, the MacDefender program should be cleared via command line.
TIPS
After the virus is confirmed deleted, be careful in making Google searches. There is strong evidence that this line of Trojans can appear on certain websites, and these websites are often placed as seemingly innocuous Google search results. Until Apple releases a patch, remember to avoid surfing any unknown websites, and try to use a browser other than Safari.
WARNINGS
Do not risk using the Terminal if you do not know what you are doing, and beware when clearing certain files. It is very easy to destroy a crucial system component!
ARTICLE INFO
Categories: Spyware and Virus Protection
Recent edits by: Wanna=), Teresa, TheMartian
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