Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

malware corruption - on a Mac

  • 2 cavab
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by John99

more options

Due to being unaware I have mistakenly opened a spam email that contains malware that has corrupted the most recent version of Foxfire. the email disguised as account info request from the apple iTunes store loaded pop-up and homepage software that requires you to 'click-in' to accept 'cleaning' of my iMac and installing security settings under the names "MegaMAc" and "Mac Cleaner" or similar. I have trashed the forced downloads from my hard disc but still have their ad-page come up after deleting their website from my foxfire preferences. Have only a 2012 version of Foxfire on my hard disc which I believe is there from the 'migration' from my older iMac but am hesitant to delete it as it asks for password confirmation.

Please advise on the re-install of Foxfire to help eliminate the re-establishment of the malware. FYI since Safari was not open when this occurred it appears to be unaffected.


edited to add Mac to the thread title

Due to being unaware I have mistakenly opened a spam email that contains malware that has corrupted the most recent version of Foxfire. the email disguised as account info request from the apple iTunes store loaded pop-up and homepage software that requires you to 'click-in' to accept 'cleaning' of my iMac and installing security settings under the names "MegaMAc" and "Mac Cleaner" or similar. I have trashed the forced downloads from my hard disc but still have their ad-page come up after deleting their website from my foxfire preferences. Have only a 2012 version of Foxfire on my hard disc which I believe is there from the 'migration' from my older iMac but am hesitant to delete it as it asks for password confirmation. Please advise on the re-install of Foxfire to help eliminate the re-establishment of the malware. FYI since Safari was not open when this occurred it appears to be unaffected. ''edited to add Mac to the thread title''

Modified by the-edmeister

All Replies (2)

more options

Hi, you can try https://www.malwarebytes.com/antimalware/mac/index.html


If that doesn't help, the Refresh feature (called "Reset" in older Firefox versions) can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your bookmarks, history, passwords, cookies, and other essential information.

Note: When you use this feature, you will lose any extensions, toolbar customizations, and some preferences. See the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article for more information.

To Refresh Firefox:

  1. Open the Troubleshooting Information page using one of these methods:
    • Click the menu button New Fx Menu, click help Help-29 and select Troubleshooting Information. A new tab containing your troubleshooting information should open.
    • If you're unable to access the Help menu, type about:support in your address bar to bring up the Troubleshooting Information page.
  2. At the top right corner of the page, you should see a button that says "Refresh Firefox" ("Reset Firefox" in older Firefox versions). Click on it.
  3. Firefox will close. After the refresh process is completed, Firefox will show a window with the information that is imported.
  4. Click Finish and Firefox will reopen.

Bookmarks should be saved, but to be on the safe side, I would back them up first: Open bookmarks > Show All Bookmarks > Import and Backup > Backup.

Did this fix the problem? Please report back to us!

Thank you.

more options

It is rather unusual to have a malware problem on a Mac. Remember to update Firefox as you appear to have OS X 10.5 and should be able to use the latest Firefox (Currently Fx47.0.1)