“Your Device Is at Risk” Pop-up Scam on Mac: How to Remove It and Protect Your System

The “Your Device Is at Risk” pop-up scam is one of the many deceptive alerts targeting Mac users, designed to trick them into thinking their device is compromised. This pop-up mimics legitimate system warnings and claims that the computer is infected with malware or has critical issues that need urgent fixing. It urges users to download suspicious software or call fake support services, potentially leading to more severe problems, such as data theft, financial loss, or malware installation. In this article, we will explore the threat in detail, outline its potential consequences, and provide a comprehensive guide for safely removing it and protecting your Mac from future infections.

Actions and Consequences of the Malware

When users encounter the “Your Device Is at Risk” pop-up scam, it typically appears as a browser window that warns of a virus infection, system corruption, or other serious issues. The aim of these fake alerts is to create panic and push users into downloading software that is usually adware, spyware, or even more harmful forms of malware. In many cases, the pop-up redirects users to dubious websites or presents them with download links to rogue system optimizers or antivirus tools.

If the user proceeds with the download, they could unknowingly install adware or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), which will further compromise their Mac by bombarding it with advertisements, slowing down system performance, and collecting personal information. Over time, if left unchecked, these issues could escalate, leading to more significant problems like data breaches, financial fraud, or system crashes.

Text in this pop-up scam:

Your device is at risk!

Suspicious activity has been detected on your device, which may indicate the presence of viruses. A malware scan on your device is strongly recommended.

How to run a malware scan?

Step 1: Click the “Protected Device” button below

Step 2: You’ll be redirected to the AppStore

Step 3: Install the app, open it, and start the scanning process.

[Protect Device]

Detection Names and Similar Threats

The “Your Device Is at Risk” pop-up scam can be detected by various security tools under different names. Some of these detection names include:

• PUA:MacOS/FakeAlert
• Adware:MacOS/Pirrit
• Adware.Generic.326

This type of scam is part of a broader category of threats that target Mac users, including other fake virus alerts, such as:

• “Your Computer is Low on Memory” scam
• “Apple Support Center” pop-up scam
• “System Warning” alerts

These scams all share similar tactics and often lead to adware or malware infections.

Comprehensive Removal Guide

Step 1: Close the Pop-up Safely

1. Do not click on any links, buttons, or pop-ups that suggest downloading software.
2. Use the Force Quit option (press Command + Option + Esc), select your browser, and click Force Quit to exit the page without interacting with the malicious content.

Step 2: Clear Browser Data

Removing the pop-up’s remnants from your browser will help prevent its reappearance.

1. Open Safari (or your preferred browser).
2. Click on Safari in the top-left corner and go to Preferences.
3. Navigate to the Privacy tab and click Manage Website Data.
4. Select Remove All to clear any stored data linked to malicious sites.
5. In the Extensions tab, remove any suspicious or unfamiliar browser extensions.

Step 3: Uninstall Suspicious Applications

1. Go to Finder and select Applications from the left panel.
2. Review the installed applications and locate any suspicious or unknown apps that may have been downloaded.
3. Right-click on any potentially harmful software and choose Move to Trash.
4. After removing the applications, go to Trash and select Empty Trash to ensure permanent deletion.

Step 4: Remove Login Items

1. Go to System Preferences and click on Users & Groups.
2. Select your user account and click on the Login Items tab.
3. Identify any unknown login items that might be launching at startup and click Remove.

Step 5: Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

To ensure thorough removal and to check for any hidden malware, scanning your Mac with a trusted anti-malware tool is essential.

1. Download and install SpyHunter for Mac.
2. Once installed, launch the program and perform a full system scan.
3. SpyHunter will detect any remaining malware, adware, or PUPs, and guide you through the removal process.

Step 6: Update macOS and Applications

1. Open System Preferences and select Software Update.
2. Make sure your macOS and any installed apps are updated to their latest versions to patch potential vulnerabilities.

Best Practices for Preventing Future Infections

• Use an up-to-date anti-malware tool: Always have a reliable security program like SpyHunter for Mac installed and running regular scans.
• Avoid suspicious websites and downloads: Refrain from visiting shady websites or downloading files from untrusted sources.
• Be cautious with pop-up alerts: Never trust pop-ups claiming your system is compromised or infected. Legitimate warnings will not pressure you to download third-party software.
• Update software regularly: Ensure your macOS and all installed apps are up to date with the latest security patches.
• Disable pop-ups: Most browsers allow you to block or limit pop-up windows, reducing the risk of seeing scam alerts.

SpyHunter for Mac: Your Best Defense Against Malware

To effectively defend your Mac from the "Your Device Is at Risk" pop-up scam and other similar threats, we highly recommend using SpyHunter for Mac. SpyHunter is a powerful and easy-to-use anti-malware tool that can detect and remove adware, PUPs, and other forms of malware. By regularly scanning your system, SpyHunter will help keep your Mac clean and secure. Download SpyHunter today and scan your computer for free to ensure that your system is safe from threats.