"Your Computer Is Low On Memory" Pop-Up Message PUA on Mac
If you only have a browser running on your Mac and you suddenly get a pop-up notification telling you your computer is low on memory you may be both scared and confused. However, this is just what the purpose of this fake pop-up message is.
The appearance of similar messages is linked to potentially unwanted applications or PUAs. Potentially unwanted apps fill the gray area between legitimate applications and full-blown malware that is usually much more dangerous.
In the specific case of the fake "Your computer is low on memory" message, the goal of the potentially unwanted app that found its way in your browser is to scare you into downloading further adware and browser hijackers on your system.
The full text of the fake warning message is as follows:
"Your computer is low on memory
To free up some memory, please close a few applications."
Of course, if you just booted up your Mac and only have your browser running, you will instinctively know that this is just not true and not possible. However, you may also feel worried that something is wrong. The social engineering employed by many rogue optimization applications relies just on that fear.
You should first check your browser's extensions menu and see if you have any new extensions installed that you don't recognize and don't remember allowing or installing yourself. Potentially unwanted applications usually enter your system through the use of bundle installers or bundlers. A bundle installer may have one legitimate application in it, with one or more potentially unwanted ones piggy-backing inside the same package.
Bundle installers have notoriously poor disclosure of their full contents. If you absolutely must use a bundle installer obtained from a free downloads website, at the very least make sure you choose custom install and pay extra attention to any additional components that will be installed.
Of course, it is alaways best to source all your applications from storefronts and websites that have strict moderation policies, such as the App Store or the official website of any application. With bundlers that you download from random free download websites online, you are always running the potential risk of installing potentially unwanted apps on your system, along with any legitimate application you originally searched for.
