Apple Security Alert Scam
Apple might send security alerts to its users and those may be legitimate. For instance, alerts may be triggered if there's an attempt to access your iCloud account, if you visit an unsafe website, or if you're targeted by cyberattacks linked to a foreign country. It's important to note that Apple will never use pop-up notifications to communicate these incidents.
In the event of detecting any security issues, Apple will reach out to you via email and iMessage, using the phone number associated with your Apple ID.
When encountering unsafe websites or attempting to download risky apps, Apple may issue a warning through a "Not Secure" or "Website Not Secure" message at the top center of your Safari browser.
There are several things to keep in mind when trying to differentiate between authentic Apple security alerts and fake ones:
- Legitimate Apple alerts don't demand immediate action.
- They won't instruct you to open files, click links, provide personal information, or dial phone numbers.
- Apple communicates security notifications via email and iMessage, using the associated email addresses and phone numbers.
Many users question the legitimacy of Apple security alerts. Generally, if a security warning from Apple appears in a web browser with a sense of urgency, it's likely a scam.
Recognizing the signs of these scams is crucial for protection. Common indicators of Apple security scams include:
- Redirects to untrusted websites
- Unsolicited advertisements
- Requests to download or payment to eliminate the threat
- Solicitation of personal data like passwords.
Removal Instructions for Fake Apple Security Alerts
If you receive a fake alert in your Safari browser, follow these steps to remove it:
- Open Safari.
- Click Safari > Preferences.
- Navigate to the Extensions tab.
- Identify anything suspicious in the sidebar.
- Click Uninstall to remove it.
