With the release of the latest Iphone7, Apple has again become the center of attention, making people look for their web pages more while surfing online. Having realized this, cyber criminals have created multiple phishing web pages that have different aims, all of them malicious. We at SensorsTechForum have decided to follow up on that and see what exactly is behind the cyber-criminals’ mind.
SIDENOTE: This post was originally published in September 2016. But we gave it an update in August 2019.
What Risks Are Out There
Phishing pages may be created with different levels of risk in mind – it depends on what the cyber-criminals are thinking.
One phishing web page may promise to users that they may receive a free iPhone if they fill out their personal details. There are other phishing web pages that may be presented to users of Apple devices, claiming that there is a problem with their phone, MacBook or other Apple device and adding a tech support caller number like the one on the picture below:
This is known as tech support scam, and it aims to get users to make expensive phone calls to non-existent tech support representatives, resulting in having to pay large phone bills.
The most dangerous type of phishing web pages, however, are the ones that are infested with malware, such as applied-app-iPhone(.)com that attempted to infect us with an obfuscated malware, via a malicious JavaScript.
Such web links are a very often met method of infections, and they may not only be phishing for information and display fraudulent claims, but they may also infect your computer with ransomware viruses, banking malware, Trojans and other viruses.
During our researcher we have also stumbled upon multiple phishing web pages that were not only fake but some of them represent an actual threat to computers:
Applelocationticloud(.)com
Icloud-server-apple-verify(.)com
Information-appleid-apple-icloud-safe(.)com
My-account-apple(.)com
Resolved-idapple(.)com
Apple-server-warning(.)xyz
verified.apple.com.confirm.account.information.glitterfarms.com/Apple
pc-mac-defender1(.)info/message-from-apple
apple-tech-support(.)online
forget-idapple(.)com
id-sign-apple(.)com
applied-iphone-id(.)com
apple-icloudiphone-security(.)com
apple-icloudiphone-support(.)com
apple-os9-icloud-server(.)com
appleinc-iphone-gps(.0com
findmyappleiphone(.)com
localizer-appleicloud(.)com
mydevice-apple(.)com
apple-app-gps(.)com
apple-app-store-icloud-id(.)com
apple-find-myiphone(.)com
apple-icloud-server-verify(.)com
inc-apple-ios(.)com
phone-apple-id(.)com
support-myapple(.)com
login-findmydevice.com
applied-iclouddu(.)com
applid-map(.)com
apple-ios9-lid(.)com
iclduod(.)com
apple-icloud1(.)com
icloud-rescure(.)com
located-apple(.)com
apple-icloudappid(.)science
fd-id-apple(.)com
findiphone-apple(.)com/verify/
appleidsupport(.)com
apple-icloud-myios(.)com
id-iclloudd-appplle(.)com
This is just a very small portion of of the domains that are fake and phish for different information. Most of them were representing fake iCloud web pages that aim to steal login details from Apple iCloud accounts:
However, there were also other interesting web pages, like the “revolutionary” fake iPhone finding web page, that claims it can locate your iPhone:
How to Protect Yourself from Phishing
It is important to know how to protect yourself from phishing web pages. To do that, besides having a reliable anti-malware program and a browser extension that actively blocks phishing web pages, you should also know how to identify a phishing web page. Websites such as Scamadviser offer protection against phishing pages by simply telling you how risky a web page you are visiting actually is. Not only this, but you should also take a look at the URL of the web page and check in on websites such as CqCounter to establish the actual owner of the domain, it’s location and even it’s ISP and IP addresses as well as other domains associated with it.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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About the Apple Phishing Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Apple Phishing how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on Apple Phishing?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the Apple Phishing threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
References
1. macOS More Susceptible to Adware and PUPs than Windows
2. XLoader Malware-as-a-Service Now Available for macOS for Only $49
3. XCSSET Mac Malware Targets Apple’s M1-Based Macs and macOS 11
4. macOS Backdoor Malware Linked to OceanLotus Hackers
5. The State of Apple’s Privacy So Far in 2021
Preparation Phase:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
Step 1: Uninstall Apple Phishing and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Apple Phishing:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Apple Phishing. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Apple Phishing. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Apple Phishing via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Apple Phishing. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Remove Apple Phishing – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Step 3: Scan for and remove Apple Phishing files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Apple Phishing, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Step 4: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Apple Phishing FAQ
What is Apple Phishing on your Mac?
The Apple Phishing threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down siginficantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your Mac to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your MacOS.
Can my Mac get a virus?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get viruses. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that the following Apple devices can become infected with a virus:
- iMac
- Mac Mini
- Macbook Air
- Macbook Pro
- iPhone
- iPad
What are the symptoms of Apple Phishing on your Mac?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also most Mac threats in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your Mac may become slow and has poor performance in general.
Symtpom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Mac's Activity Monitor.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts reccomend that you check your Mac for viruses.
What types of Mac threats are there?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently infect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware and hijackers.
- Trojan horses and other spyware.
- Ransomware and screen-lockers.
- Cryptocurrency miner malware.
What to do if I have a Mac virus, like Apple Phishing?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One reccomended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you. There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses, tracking cookies and unwanted adware apps plus take care of them quickly. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to secure my passwords and other data from Apple Phishing?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.