How to Remove Apple Security Alert Scam

The Apple Security Alert scam is a false browser-based security pop-up that aims to scare users into downloading malware or giving scammers their sensitive data.

The alerts stem from installing PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) or clicking malicious links. If you’re seeing the fake Apple Security warning, you might need an antivirus to get rid of it. We recommend TotalAV for Apple Security Alert virus removal due to its excellent malware detection and removal rates and compatibility with Apple products.

In this article, we’ll explain the Apple Security Alert, how scammers use it to dupe unsuspecting users, how to get rid of it, and the best antivirus for such scams.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. What is the Apple Security Alert?
2. How to Recognize if Apple Security Alert is Real or Fake
3. How to Fix the Apple Security Alert Pop-Up
4. How Can I Avoid Getting the Fake Apple Security Alert?
5. Antiviruses for Apple Security Alert Pop-Up Message Removal
6. Other Antivirus Guides
7. Conclusion
8. FAQs

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. What is the Apple Security Alert?
2. How to Recognize if Apple Security Alert is Real or Fake
3. How to Fix the Apple Security Alert Pop-Up
Show Full Guide
4. How Can I Avoid Getting the Fake Apple Security Alert?
5. Antiviruses for Apple Security Alert Pop-Up Message Removal
6. Other Antivirus Guides
7. Conclusion
8. FAQs

What is the Apple Security Alert?

Apple Security Alert is a fake security warning that pops up in the web browsers of iPhone and Mac users. The fake pop-up warns Apple users that their devices have a virus infection and that their sensitive data is at risk.

The alert can ask you to:

• Click on a link,
• Download software,
• Call a number for further assistance.

Such alerts are fake, and you should ignore them. If you act as the scammers advise, they’ll try to coerce you to reveal your financial or personal information to use it for fraudulent activities.

Meanwhile, if you’re getting Apple Securit Alerts, you’ve likely clicked on a suspicious extension, which took you to a malicious website.

Alternatively, you might’ve downloaded PUP. PUPs are applications you download knowingly but don’t understand their full intention. Such apps don’t harm your device directly but can redirect you to suspicious links, sites, and downloads that will harm your device.

If your device has a PUP with a browser hijacker, it might take over some browser functions like redirecting your searches, displaying unwanted advertisements, or sending you false Apple Security warnings.

How to Recognize if Apple Security Alert is Real or Fake

The easiest way to establish if Apple’s security alert is real or fake is its distribution channel. If the alert pops up on your web browser, it’s a scam. Apple will never issue security alerts via web browsers.

Other ways to tell if an Apple security virus alert is legit include:

• You are redirected to suspicious sites – A fake alert will redirect you to less reliable sites. The site might ask you to enter your credentials to win a prize or promote other suspicious products.
• Request to download files – Be on guard if a pop-up asks you to download any file. Most scammers will add a dangerous link saying it’ll download an antivirus. Instead, it’ll be malware.
• Request to share login data – If an alert asks you to disclose your Apple password, this should immediately tell you that the notification is fake. Apple never asks for login credentials.
• Request for verification codes – Like passwords, verification codes are private information that you shouldn’t share with anyone. An alert that asks you to disclose your verification code is likely a phishing.
• The alert has a payment request – Apple doesn’t ask for payment through a security alert. Rule out any security alert with a payment request as fake.

If you’re unsure and still think the notification is from Apple, sign in to your Apple ID account and check your notifications. Apple will issue all threat notifications via your account. If you can’t see a threat alert on your account’s top page, ignore it.

How to Fix the Apple Security Alert Pop-Up

Sometimes, the phony Apple security alert displays because you’re on a suspicious site. When that’s the case, close the tab, and you’ll get rid of it.

However, most popups usually come from PUPs like adware or browser hijackers. In such cases, you need to clear your browser’s data and any suspicious software.

Your process of removing the Apple Security Alert and uninstalling unwanted software will depend on whether you’re on an iPhone or Mac.

Remove Apple Security Alert Scam from iPhone

You can remove the Apple Security Alert from your iPhone in several ways, depending on where the problem stems from.

Clear Safari Data on iPhone

If clearing data stops the Apple Security Alert from appearing, we suggest installing an antivirus and running a malware scan to ensure no virus remains installed in your system.

But if you can still see the fake alert, check whether there are any suspicious apps on your device and delete them.

Uninstall Suspicious iPhone Apps

Go through your installed apps in the Settings app and see whether there are any suspicious applications that you have not installed yourself. If so, remove all unfamiliar apps and open your browser to see if the alert has disappeared.

If resetting browser settings, clearing browser cache, and uninstalling suspicious apps do not help get rid of the fake Apple security popup, this might mean that your device is infected. Try scanning it with antivirus software to determine the real issue.

Remove the Apple Security Alert on an iPhone

If the pop-up was delivered by a PUP or other malicious software, the antivirus will detect and eliminate it. See our best antivirus for Mac guide for further product recommendations.

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• Minimal system impact
• Unlimited VPN bandwidth
• Excellent phishing protection

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Remove Apple Security Alert Scam from Mac

If you’re on a Mac, removing the Apple Security Alert is a bit different than removing it on an iPhone.

Clear Safari Cache, Cookies, and History

If the problem is in your browser, you can get rid of it by clearing browsing data.

Empty Browser Cache on Your Mac

Open Safari, select the Develop button, and choose Empty Cache.

Clear Browser History on Your Mac

Open Safari, click the History button, and select Clear History at the bottom of the drop-down menu that opens.

If the Apple Security Alert doesn’t disappear after clearing cache, browser cookies, and history, proceed to uninstalling suspicious applications and files on your macOS.

Uninstall Malicious macOS Application

Identify and Remove the Apple Security Alert Virus with Antivirus

If you still see the alert after clearing browser history and removing suspicious files from your laptop, get an antivirus to identify and remove the malware.

EDITOR’s CHOICE

TotalAV – Outstanding Antivirus Software for Complete Protection, Including Password Manager and VPN

• Minimal system impact
• Unlimited VPN bandwidth
• Excellent phishing protection

9.6

Read Review

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How Can I Avoid Getting the Fake Apple Security Alert?

The Apple Security Alert virus spread through multiple sources. You need to take precautionary measures to avoid it.

Some measures you can take include:

• Avoid clicking scam pop-up ads, banners, or promotional content. Malicious ads can redirect you to malware infiltration sources or initiate immediate installation upon clicking.
• Don’t click links from suspicious emails. Scammers impersonate established companies like Apple and send phishing emails to users. They try to trick users into thinking the email is legitimate and clicking on links that install malware.
• Avoid suspicious websites. Such websites are used for the distribution of malware.
• Update your operating system and apps. Cybercriminals exploit security flaws and vulnerabilities in your system. Updating your device offers an additional layer of security.
• Be aware of scam callers who pretend to be the Apple support team but aim to get you to share sensitive information via phone. If a caller asks for your credentials, there is a high chance it’s a scam.
• Use a passcode to add a security layer to your device and data.
• Install a reliable antivirus like TotalAV on your Apple device. Such antiviruses can protect your mobile device and Mac from the latest cyber threat.

For advice on removing malware and other threats on iOS, read our guide to how to remove spyware from iPhone.

Antiviruses for Apple Security Alert Pop-Up Message Removal

Other Antivirus Guides

Apart from the Apple Security Alert scam that can invade your device, we have covered other malicious security threats that can cause you harm. Take a look at our other guides:

• The 10 Most Dangerous Computer Viruses
• How to Check for Viruses
• How to Remove Malware from Chrome
• How to Remove Adware

Conclusion

The Apple Security Alert is a ploy by cybercriminals to trick users into providing their personal information. If such an alert pops up on your Apple device. First, ensure the warning is real by accessing your Apple profile and checking whether there are any security notifications.

If your device has been infected, get a reliable antivirus like TotalAV to remove the Apple Security alert virus.

FAQs