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We Have Moved!

We’re now conveniently located near the corner of Whitcomb and Westnedge behind the Burger King. We are the upper suite in the rear of the building. If you need driving directions, please don’t hesitate to call!

Geek Easy Computers
435 Whitcomb St. UL 201
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269)548-TECH (8324)

Virus 101 – Mac Virus… The Reality.

mac-virus-trojan

Apple computers (Macbooks, Macbook Pros, iMacs) have always had the reputation of being “virus proof”.  And for the most part, that reputation was true.  But not for the reasons most people think.  It wasn’t that viruses couldn’t be written for the Mac OS (operating system), it’s just that the Windows OS user base was so much larger that the criminals creating computer viruses thought it not worth the effort to target the relatively small Mac percentage.  Therefore, for the longest time, Mac users enjoyed a sort of immunity from the attacks and having to safeguard their data from viruses.

That has changed.  Over the years the Mac user base has grown considerably in popularity.  The quality of the hardware and simple usability of the software has attracted many people new to computing and even pulled some previous Windows users over to its ranks.  This surge in popularity has also attracted the attention of some unwanted “fans”.  The miscreants that create viruses and malware!

 

But don’t panic.  Chances are, the average Mac user won’t see malware anytime soon.  Even less so, a virus.  But that doesn’t mean you should just ignore the issue.  Our Apple techs here at Geek Easy Computers have reported finding PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) on customer Mac systems, acting suspiciously.  At this time we can’t confirm that they are specifically malware, but all the evidence we have so far suggests it is. Toolbars in browsers often tag along with legitimate, or relatively unknown programs you intentionally install. Some of these toolbars generate ads in different browsers, redirect you to different websites, or even worse, attempt to steal your browsing data.

 

So what does this mean?  It means start taking precautions now.  The period of immunity is rapidly coming to a close for Mac OS users.  Geek Easy Computers always says that it’s better safe than sorry.  If you have questions in how to protect yourself, give us a call or send us an email.  We are always happy to assist you.  We want to make your technology easy!

 

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