Fake Mac security tool

Mac users should be on guard against a fake Mac security tool being distributed online, says the Intego security firm. The program, called MacGuard, claims to scan a computer for "adware, spyware and trojans," and then eliminate them; in reality the app is actually a version of existing Windows malware, which has already infected as many as 30 million people worldwide. The latter assumes control of a person's computer, and displays messages warning about a false infection in an attempt to get users to pay money.

The threat from MacGuard is said not to be serious at present, as the associated website for the software does not have an active download link, and is additionally written in poor English with references to non-existent Mac features, such as "Full Mac OS X Security Center Support." People may still be lured into handing over credit card information however, and the company behind the website (Innovagest 2000 SL) is expected to eventually make the download link active, given its history of active malware publishing.

by MacNN Staff