Windows Mac OS X Internet Explorer Microsoft Edge Firefox Google Chrome Safari. Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool. Downloaded software used free removal instructions combined software and removal instructions used email support got answer using Ask us. I keep getting a URL:Mal threat secured notification from my Avast antivirus software. When I run I scan using Avast, it picks up no virus, malware or suspicious threat. When I run a scan in malware bytes it also picks up no malware, viruses or threats. How do i remove this? I am running mac. May 27, 2020 This tutorial will walk you through installing a VPN on the latest Mac operating systems: Mac OS X High Sierra (10.13), Sierra (10.12), El Capitan (10.11), and Yosemite (10.10). Fortunately, most VPN service providers today are designed for various platforms so installation on your Mac should be simple and easy.
How to avoid redirects to apple-vpn-pro[.]com on Apple devices
What is apple-vpn-pro[.]com?
apple-vpn-pro[.]com is a deceptive website that displays fake virus messages and encourages visitors to remove the 'detected viruses' with a specific application. At time of the research, apple-vpn-pro[.]com promoted the Web Security Checker application. Do not trust sites such as apple-vpn-pro[.]com or apps that are advertised through them. Note that apple-vpn-pro[.]com mostly targets iPad and iPhone users, however, Mac users are also being targeted. In any case, most people arrive at apple-vpn-pro[.]com unintentionally - they are usually redirected to websites of this type by potentially unwanted apps (PUAs) installed on their browsers or devices.
At first, apple-vpn-pro[.]com displays a pop-up window, a notification about 39 detected viruses that will supposedly corrupt the SIM card, damage contacts, photos, apps, and other data. The background page states that these viruses should be removed immediately, otherwise they will cause serious damage. To remove them, visitors are encouraged to tap or click the 'Repair Now' button, which leads to a download page of Web Security Checker. The download page is an official App Store website, and thus it is likely that Web Security Checker is a legitimate application. In fact, software that is advertised through deceptive websites such as apple-vpn-pro[.]com should not be trusted.
Browsers are generally forced to open these dubious sites by PUAs installed on the browser or operating system. These apps usually display unwanted, intrusive advertisements and collect details relating to users. Typically, they display coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, and so on. When clicked, the ads open untrustworthy, potentially malicious websites or cause download/installation of unwanted applications. They also gather details such as users' IP addresses, geolocations, URLs of visited websites, entered search queries, and other information that might include sensitive details. Developers share the data with third parties (possibly cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue.
| Name | apple-vpn-pro.com pop-up |
| Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus. |
| Fake Claim | According to this website, the user's Apple device is infected with a number of viruses. |
| Serving IP Address | 157.230.152.172 |
| Detection Names | BitDefender (Malware), CyRadar (Malicious), Sophos AV (Malicious), Spamhaus (Phishing), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| 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. |
apple-vpn-pro[.]com is very similar to safari-protection[.]com, thevpnsafety[.]com, safetyvpn[.]net, and many other websites of this type. Most trick people into installing apps (often dubious) that supposedly remove detected viruses, fix errors, etc. Do not download apps from deceptive pages or trust information displayed on them. All PUAs are very similar - developers advertise them as useful, legitimate, and so on, however, after installation, they do not operate as promised and simply put users at risk of identity theft, problems with privacy, browsing safety, and other issues.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Generally, people do not download and/or install unwanted apps intentionally. They cause this by clicking deceptive ads or when they download or install other programs without checking the set-ups. Developers commonly distribute unwanted apps by including them in the download or installation set-ups of other software - offers to download or install additional applications are usually hidden in settings such as 'Custom', 'Advanced', and so on. Unfortunately, not all people check these settings and leave them unchanged. In doing so, they unintentionally allow PUAs to be downloaded or installed with regular software by default.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Programs and files should be downloaded from official websites and via direct download links. Other sources such as unofficial pages, Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule, etc.), third party downloaders and other similar channels are often used to promote unwanted apps. Furthermore, it is important to check all settings/options that are available in various set-ups and deselect offers to download or install additional software. Intrusive ads that are displayed on untrustworthy, unofficial websites should not be clicked. They usually cause redirects to other dubious websites or unwanted downloads/installations. If the browser displays unwanted advertisements and/or opens untrustworthy websites, remove all unwanted, and dubious apps (extensions, plug-ins or add-ons) installed on it. Also apply this to programs of this type installed on the 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.
Screenshot of the apple-vpn-pro[.]com pop-up window:
Text in this pop-up:
ATTENTION - Viruses found!
Your Apple is severely damaged by (39) viruses! Soon your Apple SIM card will be corrupt and it will damage your contacts, photos, data, applications, etc..
Screenshot of the main apple-vpn-pro[.]com page:
Text presented in this page (mobile and desktop version):
Your iPhone is severly damaged by (39) viruses
We've noticed that your Apple is 28.1% Damaged by (30) harmful viruses from recent adult sites. It will soon corrupt your iPhone's SIM card and damage your contacts, photos, data, and applications.
4 minutes and 43 seconds
If you don't remove the virus now, it will cause serious damage to your iPhone. Here's what you need to do (step by step):
Step 1: Tap and install Web Security for free on the App Store!
Step 2: Open the application to speed up and fix your browser now!
Repair Now
Appearance of apple-vpn-pro[.]com scam (GIF):
Web Security Checker download page:
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'.
Video presenting apple-vpn-pro[.]com scam website and showing how to clean web browsing data:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer 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 MacBy 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 three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- 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.
Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Remove apple-vpn-pro.com pop-up 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 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 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 in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure 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 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 it's virus definition database and click '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.
apple-vpn-pro.com pop-up removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove apple-vpn-pro.com pop-up related Safari extensions:
Open 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 normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove apple-vpn-pro.com pop-up related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the 'Open Menu' (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose 'Add-ons'.
Choose the 'Extensions' tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Remove' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
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Remove apple-vpn-pro.com pop-up related Google Chrome add-ons:
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Open Google Chrome and click the 'Chrome menu' (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose 'More Tools' and select 'Extensions'.
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In the 'Extensions' window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Trash' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
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- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.