Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live is a scam that claims fake virus infections and promotes shady tools for Mac
Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live is a malicious website that claims bogus virus infections
Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live is a security threat that is mostly encountered by macOS users on Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or other installed browsers. Once users land on a malicious site, they can see made-up indications of malware infections of such fake threats as Tapsnake CronDNS, Dubfishicv, or e.tre456_worm_osx. According to the message, users need to scan their system and download promoted software, which is usually scareware[1] tools like Cleanup My Mac or Advanced Mac Cleaner. However, do not believe anything that is stated on Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live, as the site only seeks to gain revenue from you installing the recommended tools.
The scheme operated by Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live is very simple: it tries to intimidate users with fake claims and make them install unwanted software (which can actually damage their computers in the first place). Do not believe any statements rendered on the site, as you might lose money, install potentially unwanted applications, or get tricked into providing sensitive information like credit card details. In other words, Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live is a scam, so do not trust it.
| Name | Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live |
| Category | Malicious website which is mostly encountered due to adware infection |
| Type | Scam, hoax, phishing |
| Operating system | The scam is aimed at macOS or Mac OS X users |
| Related | The malicious website promotes a now-notorious scam Your system is infected with 3 viruses which claim fake malware infections like Tapsnake CronDNS, Dubfishicv or e.tre456_worm_osx |
| Symptoms | Intrusive pop-ups, deals, offers, coupons, and other commercial content present on each visited website; changed web browser settings; redirects to scam and phishing sites; slow operation of the browser, etc. |
| Promoted tools | Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live might be offering different software for each user. However, most of the times users are suggested to download Advanced Mac Cleaner or Cleanup My Mac to remove the alleged viruses |
| Infiltration | Adware, which is the most likely culprit of users landing on malicious pages, is usually distributed with the help of software bundles downloaded from third-party sites. In other cases, users might download PUPs when tricked by a scam site or a fake update |
| Termination | To stop redirects to scam sites and unwanted pop-up ads, you will have to terminate adware form your computer – rely on security application or check our manual removal guidelines below |
| Optimization | Optimization software can be extremely valuable for users who are less experienced. If you want a tool that can clean and improve the performance of your Mac, download and install Reimage |
There are two different reasons why users might encounter Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live virus scam: they either visited the site after a malicious redirect or there is adware app installed on their machines. because both scenarios are possible, the affected users should immediately investigate, as Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live removal is mandatory if adware[2] is involved.
Adware is ad-supported software that is usually installed by users unintentionally. In most of the cases, users install PUPs during the installation of freeware from third-party websites. Alternatively, they get tricked by similar online scams like the one promoted by Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live pop-ups. Thus, less experienced users suffer from these type of hoaxes the most, as they are mislead into installing software that is considered to be scareawre by security experts.
Similarly, to scams, scareware’s aim is to make users believe that their systems are in huge troubles due to malware infections or similar bogus reasons. They are then offered to fix issues by buy a full licence for Advanced Mac Cleaner, Cleanup My Mac, etc. While these tools are not malware, you should think twice before using them, as they are promoted via such shady methods like Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live scam site.
Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live is a scam site that makes users believe that they need to install a scareware app in order to prevent damage to their Macs
However, system optimization tools for Macs can be useful, as some (especially older systems) can be riddled with excessive amount of junk files which slow down the the computer tremendously. If you want to make sure your system is in the best shape, use Reimage and never trust apps promoted via Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live.
Not installing software from Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live is not enough if your system is already infected with adware, however, as your browsers will keep directing you to phishing, scam, tech support scam, and similar hoax sites. Thus, you need to locate the potentially unwanted program and delete it from your Mac. Only this way you will remove Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live redirects and other unwanted behavior.
Prevent adware installation on your machine
Adware is a growing threat to Mac users, as there are still many who believe that Mac malware is a myth. While Macs are known to be more repellent to infections, they are far from immune – the myth has been debunked multiple times, as such threats like Shlayer trojan, Cookieminer, and other malicious software crafted specifically for this operating system keep emerging additionally, while scareware and adware are less threatening that viruses, they should still be treated as security risk, as these are the most common infections Mac users experience.
Security researchers from Novirus.uk[3] claim that attentiveness and knowledge about adware propagation methods can be a great remedy to keep the machine security from the incoming threats. In most of the cases, Mac users are tricked into installing unwanted software, as they need to enter their usernames and passwords in order to allow a non-Apple approved the installation. Here are a few tips to avoid infections in the future:
- Install anti-malware software that can detect potentially unwanted or malicious .pkg files before they are allowed on the system;
- Try avoiding third-party sites for software downloads and rely on Apple-approved sources instead;
- When downloading a free app from a third-party site, read up reviews on it before proceeding – they often indicate about suspicious behavior;
- During the installation process, decline all the deals and offers;
- Watch out for tricks freeware developers use: pre-ticked boxes, fine print texts, misleading placements of “Agree” buttons, etc.
- When prompted, always opt for Advanced/Custom settings instead of Recommended/Quick ones.
Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live shows a fake scan being performed; shortly after that, users are prompted to download Advanced Mac Cleaner or another PUA
Do not download software from Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live and get rid of adware from your Mac
As we previously mentioned, Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live removal highly depends on whether your system is infected with adware or another potentially unwanted application. If you are unaware, we suggest you start the procedure by scanning your computer with anti-malware software. In some cases, it can detect and eliminate all the unwanted programs along with all its entries from the system automatically. Nevertheless, some adware apps are not designed to be persistent, so you might be able to remove Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live virus manually. For that, check our instructions below.
If you opt for manual adware elimination, you should also be aware that components of PUPs might be hiding in the following locations of macOS:
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/Application Support
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
Finally, you should also make sure that you reset all the installed browsers. Note: if not adware was present on your computer, all you have to do is the turn of the scam tab and proceed with your daily browsing activities. Remember, do not download any software from Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live or similar scam sites and ignore all the claims about virus infections.
You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
