Trojan IRC/Backdor.SdBot4.FRV POP-UP Scam (Mac)

What is "Trojan IRC/Backdor.SdBot4.FRV"?

"Trojan IRC/Backdor.SdBot4.FRV" is a fake virus alert that appears when users visit a scam website. Scammers use the site to trick people into downloading an unwanted application called MacRepair that supposedly removes 'detected viruses'. We strongly recommend that you do not trust this scam.

If the website was opened unintentionally, it is likely that this was done by a potentially unwanted application (PUA) installed on the system. PUAs usually cause unwanted redirects, deliver intrusive ads, and collect data.

When opened, this scam website displays a pop-up window stating that it has detected a Trojan ("Trojan IRC/Backdoor.SdBot4.FRV") installed on the visitor's Mac computer. It encourages users to take immediate action to remove the Trojan.

When this pop-up is closed, the scam page displays another pop-up that includes "security recommendations" for Mac computers. To ensure that no sensitive data (such as banking information, passwords, private files, etc.) is exposed, it suggests that users scan their Macs for viruses.

It recommends that they use a Mac security utility (MacRepair), which can be downloaded by clicking the "Start Now" button. This software must be purchased to activate its features, however, we strongly advise that you do not trust apps promoted via deceptive websites .

This scam website, and other dubious pages, are often opened by PUAs that users have inadvertently installed on their browsers (or Mac computers). In addition to unwanted redirects, PUAs usually target users' data such URLs of visited websites, entered search queries, IP addresses, geolocations, and so on.

Typically, PUAs target browsing-related data, however, they sometimes gather personal details. Furthermore, developers share the data with other parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue.

PUAs also feed users with ads (coupons, banners, surveys, pop-up ads, and so on) that cause redirects to untrustworthy pages or trigger download/installation of other unwanted applications if they are clicked.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Trojan IRC/Backdor.SdBot4.FRV" virus
Threat Type	Mac malware, Mac virus.
Symptoms	Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites, you notice the presence of dubious apps.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads, potentially unwanted applications.
Damage	Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information, installation of potentially unwanted applications, financial loss.
Malware Removal (Mac)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

This scam (fake virus alert) is very similar to many other scams of this type such as "Your Mac Is Heavily Damaged! (33.2%)", "Virus Found Apple Message", and "Mac OS X Is Infected (4) By Viruses".

Most of these scams encourage people believe that their computers are infected, have errors, and so on. Scammers use deceptive websites to trick people into downloading PUAs that supposedly fix/remove problems. In fact, none of these websites, or apps promoted on them, can be trusted.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Most users cause download and installation of PUAs inadvertently by clicking deceptive ads or when software developers use "bundling", a marketing method used by software developers who attempt to trick users into downloading/installing PUAs with other (usually free) software.

They do not disclose information about the inclusion of unwanted apps in installation/download set-ups and hide them in "Custom"/"Advanced" options or settings. In many cases, users download/installation steps without checking available settings, thereby leading to unintentional download/installation of PUAs.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Avoid downloading software from untrustworthy and unofficial websites, using third party software downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks, and so on. Use direct links and official, trustworthy websites. Do not skip software download or installation steps without checking "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings or options.

Opt-out of all additionally-included, unwanted apps and only then proceed to the next step or finish the download/installation procedure. Avoid clicking ads displayed on dubious pages. Typically, intrusive ads redirect to dubious and potentially malicious websites (such as gambling, pornography, adult dating, and so on).

If you encounter these advertisements or redirects caused by them, check the list of installed applications (extensions, add-ons, plug-ins) on your browser and remove all unwanted entries immediately. Also check the list of installed programs on your computer (operating system).

If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Text presented in a pop-up window that appears when the scam website is visited:

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED

We have detected a trojan virus (Trojan IRC/Backdor.SdBot4.FRV) on your Mac.

Screenshot of a deceptive website (its pop-up window) encouraging visitors to download the MacRepair PUA:

Text presented in this pop-up window:

Security Recommendation for Macs
Consider running a virus scan on your Mac.
Your system may be vulnerable after you visit risky websites.

Make sure that your sensitive data isn't exposed:
Secure your credit card details and banking information.
Protect your email password and other account passwords.
Safeguard your Facebook, Skype, AIM, and other chat logs.
Keep safe your private photos, family photos, and other files.
Ensure your webcam canít be accessed remotely.
We highly recommend using Mac security utility to detect and remove malware, adware, viruses, and suspicious apps.
How to Remove:
Step 1: Click the button below to download and install App.
Step 2: Run App and remove all potential viruses immediately.

Screenshot of the MacRepair installer:

Screenshot of the MacRepair application:

Screenshot of MacRepair encouraging users to activate (purchase) it:

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is "Trojan IRC/Backdor.SdBot4.FRV" virus?
• How to identify a pop-up scam?
• How do pop-up scams work?
• How to remove fake pop-ups?
• How to prevent fake pop-ups?
• What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?

How to identify a pop-up scam?

Pop-up windows with various fake messages are a common type of lures cybercriminals use. They collect sensitive personal data, trick Internet users into calling fake tech support numbers, subscribe to useless online services, invest in shady cryptocurrency schemes, etc.

While in the majority of cases these pop-ups don't infect users' devices with malware, they can cause direct monetary loss or could result in identity theft.

Cybercriminals strive to create their rogue pop-up windows to look trustworthy, however, scams typically have the following characteristics:

• Spelling mistakes and non-professional images - Closely inspect the information displayed in a pop-up. Spelling mistakes and unprofessional images could be a sign of a scam.
• Sense of urgency - Countdown timer with a couple of minutes on it, asking you to enter your personal information or subscribe to some online service.
• Statements that you won something - If you haven't participated in a lottery, online competition, etc., and you see a pop-up window stating that you won.
• Computer or mobile device scan - A pop-up window that scans your device and informs of detected issues - is undoubtedly a scam; webpages cannot perform such actions.
• Exclusivity - Pop-up windows stating that only you are given secret access to a financial scheme that can quickly make you rich.

Example of a pop-up scam:

How do pop-up scams work?

Cybercriminals and deceptive marketers usually use various advertising networks, search engine poisoning techniques, and shady websites to generate traffic to their pop-ups. Users land on their online lures after clicking on fake download buttons, using a torrent website, or simply clicking on an Internet search engine result.

Based on users' location and device information, they are presented with a scam pop-up. Lures presented in such pop-ups range from get-rich-quick schemes to fake virus scans.

How to remove fake pop-ups?

In most cases, pop-up scams do not infect users' devices with malware. If you encountered a scam pop-up, simply closing it should be enough. In some cases scam, pop-ups may be hard to close; in such cases - close your Internet browser and restart it.

In extremely rare cases, you might need to reset your Internet browser. For this, use our instructions explaining how to reset Internet browser settings.

How to prevent fake pop-ups?

To prevent seeing pop-up scams, you should visit only reputable websites. Torrent, Crack, free online movie streaming, YouTube video download, and other websites of similar reputation commonly redirect Internet users to pop-up scams.

To minimize the risk of encountering pop-up scams, you should keep your Internet browsers up-to-date and use reputable anti-malware application. For this purpose, we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS.

What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?

This depends on the type of scam that you fell for. Most commonly, pop-up scams try to trick users into sending money, giving away personal information, or giving access to one's device.

• If you sent money to scammers: You should contact your financial institution and explain that you were scammed. If informed promptly, there's a chance to get your money back.
• If you gave away your personal information: You should change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication in all online services that you use. Visit Federal Trade Commission to report identity theft and get personalized recovery steps.
• If you let scammers connect to your device: You should scan your computer with reputable anti-malware (we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS) - cyber criminals could have planted trojans, keyloggers, and other malware, don't use your computer until removing possible threats.
• Help other Internet users: report Internet scams to Federal Trade Commission.

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