What an Apple security alert scam is, and how to remove it

What is an Apple security alert?

A legitimate Apple security alert is a notification from Apple designed to keep your devices safe. Apple uses security alerts to notify you of potential threats, such as software vulnerabilities, malware risks, or suspicious activity on your Apple ID.

Apple's alerts are meant to inform. They usually direct you to official channels like the Settings app, the App Store, or the Apple Support website.

Some Apple alert examples include:

• "Not secure" notifications. When you try to access unsafe websites or download dangerous apps, Safari may show a "Not secure" or "Website not secure" warning at the top of your browser.
• Apple threat notification. If Apple detects activity consistent with a mercenary spyware attack, a threat notification appears at the top of the page of your Apple ID account. Only the individually targeted user sees it, and it includes details about the threat and next steps.
• Email and iMessage notifications. Apple can also send threat notifications to your registered email addresses or phone numbers with instructions on what to do. Email alerts come from Apple Threat Notifications (threat-notifications@email.apple.com), while iMessage notifications are sent from threat-notifications@apple.com.
• Data leak warnings. If your passwords show up in a data leak, Apple will notify you through the built-in "Security recommendations" feature in iOS and macOS, prompting you to update compromised passwords.

The key point is that legitimate Apple alerts never request payment or personal details directly in a pop-up notification. They are informative and actionable without being threatening. 

Pro tip: To verify an Apple threat notification, sign in to your Apple account. If you don't see a notification there, the pop-up you received is almost certainly fake. 

How does a legitimate Apple security alert look?

Real Apple alerts have a few clear traits that set them apart from scams:

• Source. They come straight from Apple. On an iPhone or iPad, you'll see them in the Settings app or as a push notification. On a Mac, they show up in “System settings” or as a standard macOS notification.
• Design. The message is clean, professional, and free of typos. Apple sticks to its standard system fonts and layouts, with no flashy colors, pop-ups, or weird formatting.
• No urgent threats. They may highlight security concerns, but they won't use extreme scare tactics. Phrases like "your device will be locked" or "your data will be deleted unless you act now" are not part of legitimate Apple alerts.
• Actionable links. Any links in a real alert will either take you to the Apple Support website (support.apple.com) or open system apps like Settings. They never take you to a third-party website.
• No payments. Apple never asks for credit card information, subscriptions, or software purchases in a security alert.

What is the Apple security alert scam? 

An Apple security alert scam is a fake warning designed to trick you. Scammers create messages that look a lot like real Apple alerts, hoping you'll panic and take unsafe actions.

If you click on a fake Apple alert, you'll be directed to a phishing site or one that encourages you to download malware. Sometimes it says that your device is infected and that you need to download some software to clean it. Sometimes it asks you to enter your Apple ID and password, email address and password, or your banking information. In any case, falling for one can lead to identity fraud, stolen passwords, or unauthorized charges.

Fake security warnings can appear on Macs, iPhones, iPads, or in your browser. Common delivery methods include:

• Pop-ups on websites you visit.
• Malicious apps that sneak onto your device.
• Apple phishing emails.

The scam works because it exploits your trust in Apple. It mimics official branding, looks professional, and often uses urgent language to make you act without thinking.

What does a fake Apple security alert look like?

Fake Apple security warnings are built to grab your attention and scare you into acting fast. Watch out for these red flags:

• Phrases like "Your iPhone is infected" or "Immediate action required or your Mac will be compromised."
• Messages starting with "Dear customer" or "User" instead of your name.
• Buttons such as "Update now," "Fix device," or "Call support" that lead to unknown websites.
• Messages asking for credit card details, Apple ID credentials, or software purchases.
• Misspellings, odd capitalization, or inconsistent branding.
• Full-page browser pop-ups rather than system notifications.

Why you're getting an Apple security alert pop-up

If fake alerts keep popping up on your iPhone or Mac, it’s usually a sign of malicious software on your device. You may also receive text messages or email notifications from attackers pretending to be Apple. All this usually happens because of one of these common causes:

• Unwanted applications or adware. These apps often bundle malicious code with legitimate software.
• Phishing attacks. Scammers lure you to websites mimicking Apple's branding to collect sensitive data.
• Smishing. Smishing is like phishing, but done over text message instead of email. 
• Malicious websites. Simply visiting a compromised site can trigger pop-ups.

Signs of the Apple security alert scam

Fake Apple alerts often follow familiar patterns. Pay attention to these warning signs:

1. 1.Unexpected pop-ups. Alerts appear while browsing a website or using an app, not through official Apple channels. If your device is flooded with pop-ups, it could be malware or a potentially unwanted program (PUP).
2. 2.Multiple phishing attempts. Scammers often target you with several tactics at once. Unsolicited emails, text messages, or phone calls pushing you to take urgent action are a strong indicator that fake alerts are part of a broader phishing attack.
3. 3.Urgency and fear tactics. Attackers count on targeted users reacting without thinking. That’s why fake security notifications always try to make you panic.
4. 4.Suspicious links. You get unexpectedly redirected to unfamiliar or unsafe websites.
5. 5.Requests for personal information. The alert asks for Apple ID passwords, credit card information, or Social Security numbers.
6. 6.Payment requests. Scammers may create fake pop-up alerts or emails that offer a "solution" to a technical problem and require payment.
7. 7.Requests to call a technical support number. Scam alerts often push you to call a support number right away. Always double-check phone numbers directly on Apple’s official website before taking action.
8. 8.Unexpected calendar events. If your iPhone calendar suddenly fills with suspicious alerts or reminders, it could be an iPhone calendar virus, often linked to fake Apple security warnings or phishing attempts.
9. 9.Performance issues. Slow devices, frequent crashes, using too much power, or generally strange behavior can indicate malware. Running a trusted antimalware program is a smart precaution.

How to remove the Apple security alert scam

Removing a fake security alert depends on the device and where the alert is appearing. Let's break it down by device type.

How to remove the Apple security alert scam on a Mac

If you see a scam alert on your Mac, follow these steps to clean it up:

1. 1.Close the pop-up safely. Press "Command + Q" to quit your browser or app. Don't click any buttons inside the alert.
2. 2.Clear browser cookies and other data.
   • On Safari: "Settings" > "Privacy" > "Manage website data" > "Remove all."
   • On Chrome: "Settings" > "Privacy and security" > "Delete browsing data."
   • On Firefox: "Settings" > "Privacy & security " > "Cookies & site data" > "Clear data."
3. 3.Check for unwanted apps.
   • Open "Finder" > "Applications."
   • Look for any unwanted or strange apps.
   • Drag the suspicious apps to the Trash and empty it.
4. 4.Run malware scans. Use reputable antivirus software to detect and remove malicious files.
5. 5.Update macOS. Select "System settings" > "Software update" > "Install any pending updates." Updates patch vulnerabilities that scams may exploit.
6. 6.Reset your browser settings. Restore Safari, Chrome, or whichever browser you use to default settings to remove lingering adware.
7. 7.Use a VPN on your Mac. Download a VPN for Mac to encrypt your internet traffic. A good VPN will help block malicious websites, phishing attempts, and fake security alerts.

How to remove the Apple security alert scam on an iPhone

Fake alerts on iPhones usually appear in Safari or other browsers. Follow these steps to handle them:

1. 1.Close the browser. Press the home button or swipe up to exit Safari. Don't tap any links in the alert.
2. 2.Clear Safari history and site data. Go to "Settings" > "Apps" > "Safari" and tap "Clear history and website data."
3. 3.Force-quit Safari. Swipe up on the Safari app card in the app switcher to fully close it.
4. 4.Check for suspicious apps. Look for recently installed apps you don't recognize. Delete anything suspicious. Also, remove the app’s configuration profile by going to "Settings" > "General" > "Profiles" (or "VPN & device management" on newer iOS versions). Select the app’s configuration profile and tap "Delete profile."
5. 5.Restart your iPhone. Hold the power button and slide to power off, then restart.
6. 6.Update iOS. Select "Settings" > "General" > "Software update" > "Install available updates."
7. 7.Enable security features. Turn on "Block pop-ups" and "Fraudulent website warning" in Safari settings.
8. 8.Download a VPN for iOS. Using a VPN on your iPhone adds an extra layer of security, encrypting your internet traffic and helping block malicious websites, fake security warnings, and phishing attacks.

How to protect your Apple device from malware

Preventing fake security alerts starts with good security hygiene. Follow these practices to keep your devices safe:

• Avoid suspicious ads. Don't click on banners, pop-ups, or offers that seem too good to be true. Malware often hides behind them.
• Be careful with links. Never click links in emails, texts, or websites from unknown sources. Use a trusted link checker to confirm safety before opening anything.
• Stick to trusted apps. Only download apps from the App Store or verified developers to avoid getting malicious software onto your device. Avoiding pirated apps from sketchy websites is a basic rule of iPhone security.
• Keep your software updated. Regular updates patch security vulnerabilities and fix bugs. Understanding why software updates are important helps prevent fake Apple security alerts, malware infections, and other cyber threats.
• Use antivirus software. Reputable programs detect malware, adware, and other unwanted files that trigger fake alerts.
• Review app permissions. Regularly check the permissions apps have. Remove access that isn't necessary.
• Use strong, unique passwords. Protect your Apple account with a strong password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Back up your data regularly. Even if your device is secure, having backups ensures you don't lose anything in case of malware or hardware issues.
• Block malicious sites. Enable Safari's built-in fraudulent website warning or use a reputable third-party malicious website blocker to block fake alerts and phishing sites from loading.
• Block unwanted ads. Many fake Apple security alerts appear as pop-up ads. A reliable ad blocker prevents these malicious ads from appearing, keeping your device safer.
• Report suspicious messages. Let Apple know about any phishing emails or texts you receive.
• Enable the lockdown mode if needed. If you haven't received an Apple threat notification but still suspect targeted attacks or mercenary spyware, the lockdown mode adds extra protection.