Do not download apps promoted via security-protect.org scam site

What is the security-protect[.]org website?

Security-protect[.]org is an untrustworthy site designed to promote various scams. At the time of research, this webpage ran a scheme targeting iPhone users.

However, it is not unlikely that the website can be accessed on other Apple devices as well. The scam claims that visitors' iPhones have been infected and recommends an untrustworthy software product, supposedly capable of eliminating the nonexistent malware.

Typically, schemes of this type endorse fake anti-viruses, adware, browser hijackers, and other PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). The scams may even proliferate malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.).

Users seldom enter deceptive webpages intentionally; most access them via mistyped URLs, redirects caused by intrusive ads, or have the sites force-opened by installed PUAs.

The scam promoted on security-protect[.]org states that visitors' iPhones have been infected by four viruses. Unless the fake infection is addressed immediately, the scam claims that it can lead to the SIM card can getting damaged, important files being corrupted or deleted, and/or the mobile phone - getting blocked.

The scheme then provides steps on how to obtain the endorsed product, which is to be used to remove the imaginary viruses. It must be emphasized that all of the information provided by security-protect[.]org - is false.

Furthermore, no website is capable of detecting threats or issues present on visitors' devices; hence, any that make such claims are scams. Therefore, it is strongly advised against trusting the content run on security-protect[.]org and downloading/installing software pushed through it.

PUAs are often spread through online scams. These applications usually appear legitimate and offer a wide variety of functionalities.

Despite how useful the features may sound, they are rarely operational. Fake anti-virus tools are prime examples of this kind of PUAs.

This software requires activation (i.e., purchase) to perform the promised functions, yet following activation - they remain nonoperational. Furthermore, unwanted apps can have unmentioned, heinous abilities.

Some can force-open untrustworthy, deceptive, and malicious websites (e.g., security-protect[.]org). Adware-types deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. The delivered ads are more than just a nuisance; they diminish the browsing quality and pose a threat to device/user safety.

Once clicked on, intrusive adverts redirect to dubious/dangerous pages and may be able to stealthily download/install software. Browser hijackers are another type of PUAs; they promote fake search engines by making alterations to browser settings.

The promoted search engines typically cannot provide search results, so they redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google, and other legitimate ones. What is more, most PUAs can track data.

Information of interest includes: browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, geolocations, and even personally identifiable details. PUA developers monetize the collected data by sharing it with and/or selling it to third-parties, likewise intent on misusing it for financial gain.

In summary, the presence of unwanted software on devices - can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft. To ensure device integrity and user safety, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	security-protect.org pop-up
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus
Fake Claim	Scam claims that users' iPhones have been infected.
Detection Names	Webroot (Malicious), Full List (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address	172.67.74.79
Promoted Unwanted Application	Various dubious applications
Symptoms	Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage	Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
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.

Secureblogcn[.]com, securecheckapp[.]com, tackis[.]xyz, security-info[.]space, and landingsecure[.]com are some examples of sites running iPhone user targeting schemes. The Internet is full of misleading, deceptive, and malicious material.

Popular scam models are: warnings that the system is infected, alerts that a piece of software is outdated or missing, fake prize giveaways and raffles, ludicrous deals and offers, etc.

The sole purpose of these schemes is to generate revenue at user expense. Due to how widespread online scams are, it is highly recommended to exercise caution when browsing.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PUAs can have "official" promotional/download webpages. These applications are also distributed through downloaders/installers of other programs.

"Bundling" is the name of this false marketing method - pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions. By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) - users risk inadvertently allowing bundled content into their devices.

Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is recommended to research software products before download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, only official and verified download channels must be used.

Untrustworthy sources, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - commonly offer harmful and/or bundled content. When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, study all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from supplementary apps, tools, functions, etc.

Intrusive adverts appear ordinary and innocuous; however, they redirect to various unreliable and malicious websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, and so on). Should users encounter ads and/or redirects of this kind, they must inspect their devices and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins.

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 the scam promoted on security-protect[.]org website:

Your iPhone has been infected by the viruses (4)!

 

AppleCare
Protection plan

If not resolved immediately, the viruses could block the mobile phone, SIM card and damage and delete all important files.

 

To remove the virus immediately:

 

Step 1: Click the button below.

 

Step 2: Download the "My Security" on next page to completely eliminate the virus ..

 

Important: Please act in 59 seconds.

 

remove viruses

I do not want to repair my device.

To enable pop-up blocking, fraudulent website warnings, and remove web browsing data in mobile Apple devices, follow these steps:

First, go to "Settings", and then scroll down to find and tap "Safari".

Check if the "Block Pop-ups" and "Fraudulent Website Warning" toggles are enabled. If not, enable them immediately. Then, scroll down and tap "Advanced".

Tap "Website Data" and then "Remove All Website Data".

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 "security-protect[.]org"?
• STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Potentially unwanted applications removal:

Remove potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Remove malicious Safari extensions:

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

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