How to avoid falling for scams like "Apple VPN Protection Required"
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of scam is "Apple VPN Protection Required"?
During our examination of the "Apple VPN Protection Required" scam, we found that it is a pop-up scam targeting iPhone users. Usually, scams of this type involve fake warnings designed to trick users into taking certain actions. Such warnings should be ignored to avoid potential negative consequences.
"Apple VPN Protection Required" scam overview
This pop-up scam falsely claims that your Apple iPhone has a vulnerability in its internet connection, leading to slower performance and quick battery drainage. It urges you to install an iOS VPN app for free to supposedly fix your device and improve its speed. However, interacting with this fake pop-up may lead to downloading an unwanted application or revealing personal information to scammers.
This pop-up scam could be used to promote unwanted software like adware or browser hijackers, or even malicious software designed to steal sensitive information or perform other malicious actions. Also, interacting with this fake warning might lead users to phishing pages, technical support scams, fake giveaways, lotteries, etc.
Thus, users may be deceived into disclosing sensitive information (e.g., credit card details or login credentials), sending money to scammers (e.g., paying for bogus or unnecessary products or services), or taking other actions benefiting scammers. This may lead to identity theft, monetary loss, and other problems.
It is important to be cautious and avoid engaging with deceptive pop-ups or downloading applications from untrusted sources to safeguard against potential scams and protect your personal information and devices.
| Name | Apple VPN Protection Required fake warning |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Fake Claim | User's iPhone has a vulnerability in its internet connection |
| Related Domain | okednfyhgd[.]com |
| Detection Names | CRDF (Malicious), CyRadar (Malicious), Kaspersky (Phishing), Webroot (Malicious), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address | 172.67.128.132 |
| 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), torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Similar scams in general
In most cases, these scams mimic legitimate system alerts or other warnings about security vulnerabilities, device performance issues, or urgent system updates. They pressure users to take immediate action, such as downloading an app, entering personal information, or clicking on links, under the guise of resolving supposed issues.
Recognizing these common traits can help users identify and avoid falling victim to pop-up scams. Some examples of similar scams are "Access To This Apple Device Has Been Blocked", "Apple Security Services", and "AppleCare - Official Security Alert".
How did I open a scam website?
Scammers use various ways to lure users into opening scam websites. For instance, they send fraudulent emails containing misleading links, create deceptive advertisements, or use stolen (or fake) social media, or other accounts, or compromised websites. Scam sites can also be promoted via notifications from shady pages and adware.
Additionally, users may land on scam websites through pages that use rogue advertising networks. It is common for torrent sites, illegal movie streaming pages, and similar platforms to be associated with these networks.
How to avoid visiting scam websites?
When searching for websites, use reputable search engines like Google. Always download apps and files from official sites or app stores. Do not consent to receive notifications from suspicious web pages or trust ads, links, pop-ups, and similar content on websites of this kind. Be cautious of links in emails, text messages, or social media posts from unknown or unverified sources.
Keep the operating system and installed software up to date. Additionally, scan your computer for threats using a reputable security tool regularly. If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate all threats.
Text in the fake pop-up:
Apple VPN Protection required right now!
Your Apple iPhone will run slower and your battery will drain quickly.
A vulnerability was found in the Internet connection. Safe your browsing and protect connection to fix this problem and speed up your Apple.
Install IOS VPN app for FREE to safe your Apple immediately!
[Install] [Cancel]
Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
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. 7 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 "Apple VPN Protection Required"?
- STEP 1. Remove files and folders related to unwanted software from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a pop-up scam?
A pop-up scam is a deceptive online tactic where a fake alert or notification pops up on a user's screen, often claiming a problem with their device and offering a fake solution.
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
Scammers create pop-up scams to deceive unsuspecting users into disclosing credit card details, login credentials, or other sensitive information, downloading malware (or potentially malicious software), or paying for fake or unnecessary services or products.
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
These pop-ups appear on dubious sites, often opened through notifications from unreliable sites, advertisements generated by adware, ads on shady websites, links in fraudulent emails, or pages that use rogue advertising networks (e.g., torrent pages).
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?
Combo Cleaner can scan each website you visit and detect scam websites and other unreliable pages. Upon detection, immediate warnings are issued and access to such sites is restricted.
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