Big Mac Attack (inedible)

It’s our birthday!

Computers dot mom launched twenty years ago–with coffee and biscuits, desktop computers and dial-up connections.

Before Google search. (Imagine!).

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of you–friends, family, clients, many of whom have been with us from the beginning–who continue to make this an amazing, challenging, and rewarding journey.

Mac users, don’t get complacent.

This week unusual piece of malware appeared on a client’s Mac that was NOT detected by the usual tools like Malwarebytes and was a bear to remove. 

Symptoms: Constant pop-up windows pushing helpful-sounding (but not free or safe) programs. Chrome and Safari home page and search options changed and those changes locked so they couldn’t be undone.
Cause: Client clicked on a legitimate-looking prompt on a webpage: “You need to update Adobe Flash Player” which installed all kinds of nasty stuff instead. 

Solution: The usual fixes only solved part of the problem. The unusual aspect of this particular malware was to add a PROFILE; deleting that unlocked the browsers. (A very similar attack on a client’s iPhone last summer used the same technique).

What you can do: If you use a Mac, iPhone or iPad, check in System Preferences (Mac) or Settings > General (iOS) and look for Profiles. 

If you don’t see a Profiles option, great!  If you DO find Profiles, check the contents and investigate any profiles you find—they could be malware. (Legitimate profiles are generated, for example, if you use a VPN). You can always send us a screenshot if you’re not sure.  (Here’s how: Mac, PC, iPhone).

Prevention!!!!: There’s a common misconception that you should always update “Adobe.” Adobe is a company, not a product; they make lots of different apps, including Reader (which Mac users don’t usually need), Photoshop, and Flash.  YOU PROBABLY DON’T NEED FLASH, so don’t update it unless you are 100% sure it’s necessary. More info here.
 

On a More Cheerful Note:

• The latest update to the Apple Watch enabled the cardiogram features; Wired magazine has a good rundown of the pros and cons here.

• AT&T is finally ready for dual-sim (two line) iPhones. Verizon—soon.

Wishing you healthy and happy holidays and a wonderful 2019!