Phishing and fake alerts on a Mac
Phishing is a message or pop-up designed to trick you into handing over a password or clicking something harmful. It's the most common way ordinary people get caught out, and spotting it is a skill anyone can learn.
Reading is great. Tracking makes it stick. Sign up for a free Dashboard to tick off tasks and see your Security Score.
Get my free Dashboard →
Cyber Nova AI helps you prepare for Cyber Essentials. It doesn't award or certify it. Follow the steps here to get ready, then apply for certification through an accredited Cyber Essentials body when you're set.
How it reaches you on a Mac
It arrives as emails, fake login pages, and browser pop-ups. A common one is a full-screen web page claiming your Mac is infected, often with a phone number to call or a cleaner to download. That message is the scam. Apple never warns you about viruses through a web page, and never puts a phone number in an alert.
The tell-tale signs
Common warning signs to watch for:
4 steps
What to do
Don't click, don't call, and don't enter anything. Close the message or the browser tab. If it claims to be from a company you use, go to that company's website yourself in a new tab rather than using any link provided.
If you did click or enter details
Change the password for any account you typed into, and turn on two-factor if it isn't already. If you downloaded and opened anything, run a scan with a tool like Malwarebytes Free. Acting quickly limits any harm.
Track your Mac security progress. Free.
Create a free account to tick off tasks, see your Security Score improve, and know exactly what you've done and what's still to do.
Start your free security check