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Cyber Thieves Posing As The FBI Are Targeting Mac Users With 'Ransomware' Scam

Cyber Thieves Posing As The FBI Are Targeting Mac Users With 'Ransomware' Scam

July 16, 2013
Mac users are being targeted by cyber-criminals posing as the FBI. This “ransomware” allows them to hijack a user’s Web browser with a notice demanding payment of $300 in order to release control of the application. The ransomware page is showing up on regular websites, and when searching for popular keywords, according to Malwarebytes. The warning states:
You have been viewing or distributing prohibited Pornographic content. To unlock your computer and to avoid other legal consequences, you are obligated to pay a release fee of $300.

Resolution

Luckily, there is an easy way to resolve this issue without paying a criminal $300. In Safari, click on the menu and then choose “Reset Safari.” Make sure that all items are marked and hit the Reset button. Here’s a tutorial on how to get rid of the FBI ransomware for OS X:

Mac computers have traditionally not been the target of malware. However, this has changed in recent years thanks to the growing popularity of OS X and iOS. In March, for example, a trojan was making the rounds that specifically targeted Mac computers. The malware, “Trojan.Yontoo.1” attempted to monetize its attack by injecting ads into Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. We'll continue to alert our readers when new malware is uncovered. Until then, if you see the message above, be sure to take the necessary steps to resolve the issue.

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