Apple to Update Mac OS X to Remove MACDefender

Last evening, Apple published a support document detailing how to avoid or remove MACDefender malware from Mac OS X. The document thoroughly explains the step-by-step procedure associated with the manual removal of the malware, and indicates that Apple will release an automated fix via software update in the near future. According to the document:

In the coming days, Apple will deliver a Mac OS X software update that will automatically find and remove Mac Defender malware and its known variants.  The update will also help protect users by providing an explicit warning if they download this malware.

This summary and set of removal instructions is likely a response to the negative press the company received after restricting its support staff from addressing the issue on phone calls and in retail stores last week. Given that the affected number of users looks to be larger than initially anticipated, yesterday’s official acknowledgement comes as a welcome action on Apple’s part. Regardless of whether the automated update is released on its own, or bundled with Mac OS X v10.6.8 it is still worth noting the manual removal instructions in the interim.

Click here to view the support document in its entirety.

For more information on MACDefender click here.