iMac running the latest version OS,SafariWas on CNN web page reading various news stuff. Inadvertently clicked on a link that took over Safari.A page popped up with a header of: "TECH HELP", with a toll free number (866-441-7691) and an offer to fix a multitude of ailments. Second smaller window popped on top of the original with an internet address of www.speedpctoday.com, and the message: "ALERT! You may have malware on your computer. (No kidding, ya think?)Call 1-866-441-7691 immediately.A representative will provide you a FREE computer diagnosis."There was also a small blue box with "OK" in it. Clicking on that only made the box disappear and immediately re-appear.All the task bar items were basically 'grayed out' and non-responsive.I called the number given and got a recorded message that said to press one for computer issues. Pressed one and got nothing but music.Re-start Safari and get same 'Tech Help' window. Same thing happens when I re-start the computer.I still have e-mail capability.Help!

Never call or click any links that offer to fix bogus computer malware. It's a pure scam, and they likely now have your phone number.This bogus alert was likely Javascript running from a scam website. The reason it keeps coming back is that when you start Safari, it's reloading the old bogus website. Try holding down the Shift key while starting Safari. Do not load your previous websites. Enter another link such as RV.NET.If it's still loading the bogus site, then force exit by pressing Command+Option+ESC and select Safari. Clearing out your old cache and cookies should get rid of the issue once and for all.

Clean out your cache & cookies, and reset your start page to whatever it should be.

If you used time machine go back to the time before the issue should clear the problem.

In addition to all of the above and just to be safe download and run AdwareMedic to kill any bad stuff lurking in the background.

For future protection, I'd grab AdBlock for Safari. Malware injected in ads is a major problem, and I've found that blocking ads actually provides more protection against malware than anything else you can do, even running an antivirus program, since the browser is the primary means for a computer to get infected.

SAFARI Hijacked | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

1492
Moderator
Jul 13, 2015
Also, make sure to keep browsers and plug-ins updated. Especially, Flash which is quickly becoming just as problematic as JAVA. Just too many serious vulnerabilities. Most recently, allowing remote machine control of PC, MAC, and Linux machines.

Hackers are now including common Flash vulnerabilities in their tool kit. And using online ads as a way to inject malicious code in attempt to breach these vulnerabilities.
SCVJeff
Explorer
Jul 13, 2015
I'm told that when you call an 800# that caller ID shows up anyway. Maybe theres some switch guys around that could confirm or deny that?
BMCM
Explorer
Jul 13, 2015
Figured I would start at the top with the remedies offered and hit pay dirt with the first one.
Thanks, 1492!
I'll look at the other suggestions to beef up my internet security.
Thanks to all that responded.
One thing I did do before calling the number offered, I disabled caller ID on my cell phone, hoping it would keep me anonymous.
RW
paulcardoza
Explorer
Jul 13, 2015
And is not limited to Safari..... Wife had it happen with Chrome on her laptop.
Campfire_Time
Explorer
Jul 13, 2015
Use Open DNS on your router, and install Bluecoat K9 on all you devices, MAC, Windows, Android, and iOS.

Both block known malware, phishing, and hijacks like this one.
mlts22
Explorer II
Jul 13, 2015
For future protection, I'd grab AdBlock for Safari. Malware injected in ads is a major problem, and I've found that blocking ads actually provides more protection against malware than anything else you can do, even running an antivirus program, since the browser is the primary means for a computer to get infected.
OldF__t
Explorer
Jul 13, 2015
In addition to all of the above and just to be safe download and run AdwareMedic to kill any bad stuff lurking in the background.
icanon
Explorer
Jul 13, 2015
If you used time machine go back to the time before the issue should clear the problem.
coolmom42
Explorer II
Jul 13, 2015
Clean out your cache & cookies, and reset your start page to whatever it should be.
1492
Moderator
Jul 13, 2015
Never call or click any links that offer to fix bogus computer malware. It's a pure scam, and they likely now have your phone number.

This bogus alert was likely Javascript running from a scam website. The reason it keeps coming back is that when you start Safari, it's reloading the old bogus website. Try holding down the Shift key while starting Safari. Do not load your previous websites. Enter another link such as RV.NET.

If it's still loading the bogus site, then force exit by pressing Command+Option+ESC and select Safari. Clearing out your old cache and cookies should get rid of the issue once and for all.

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SAFARI Hijacked

20 Replies

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