Remove EUROPOL virus from Apple MAC OS X

If your Apple Mac OS X browser is locked, and you are seeing a “All Activities of this computer has been recorded. All your files are encrypted” notification from the EUROPOL CYBERCRIME CENTER, then your Safari web browser has been hijacked by malware.

For years, Windows users have been plagued by ransomware demanding several hundred dollars to unlock their computers.
The bad guys know there is a growing market of Apple consumers who, for the most part, feel pretty safe about browsing the Internet on a Mac without the need for any security product.
Cyber-criminals, well known for not re-inventing the wheel, have ‘ported’ the latest ransomware to OS X, not by using some complicated exploit but rather leveraging the browser and its ‘restore from crash’ feature.
The EUROPOL Mac OS X ransomware page is being pushed onto unsuspecting users browsing regular sites but in particular when searching for popular keywords.

The EUROPOL Mac OS X Ukash virus will display a bogus notification that pretends to be from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and states that your computer has been blocked due to it being involved with the distribution of pornographic material, SPAM and copyrighted content.

The EUROPOL Mac OS X virus will hijack your Safari browser, so whenever you’ll open this program, it will display instead a lock screen asking you to pay a non-existing fine of 100 Euro in the form of a Ukash voucher.
A quick look at the address bar shows an interesting URL: europol.gov.id657546456-3999456674.k8381 . com, the bad guys are clearly trying to fool users.
If you choose to ignore the EUROPOL Mac OS X ransomware message, you cannot get rid of the page, as you will see this notification:

Your web browser has been locked.
All PC data will be detained and criminal procedures will be initiated against you if the fine will not be paid.

Furthermore, to make this alert seem more authentic, this virus also has the ability to access your installed webcam, so that the bogus EUROPOL Mac OS X notification shows what is happening in the room.

If your computer is infected with the EUROPOL Mac OS X Ukash virus, then you will see the following Safari web page:
[Image: EUROPOL Mac OS X virus]
The message displayed by the threat can be localized depending on the user’s location, with text written in the appropriate language.

EUROPOL CYBERCRIME CENTER
All activities of this computer have been recorded
All your files are encrypted. Don’t try to unlock your computer!
Your browser has been blocked due at least one of the reasons specified below.

You have been subjected to violation of Copyright and Related Rights Law (Video, Music, Software) and illegally using or distributing copyrighted contents, thus infringing Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8, also known as the Copyright of the Criminal Code of United States of America. Article 1, Section 8, Cause 8of the Criminal Code provides for a fine of two to five hundred minimal wages or a deprivation of liberty for two to eight years.
You have been viewing or distributing prohibited Pornographic content (Child Porno photos and etc were found on your computer). Thus violating article 202 of the Criminal Code of United States of America, Article 202 of the Criminal Code provides for a deprivation of liberty for four to twelve years.
Illegal access has been initiated from your PC with ought your knowledge or consent, your PC may be infected by malware, thus you are violating the law on Neglectful Use of Personal Computer. Articles 210 of the Criminal Code provides for a fine up to 100,000 euro and/or deprivation of liberty for four to nine years. Pursuant to the amendment of Criminal Code of United States of America of May 28, 2011, this law infringement (if it is not repeated – first time) may be considered as conditional in case you pay the fine of the States.
To unlock your computer and to avoid other legal consequences, you are obligated to pay a release fee of 100 Euro. Payable through GUkash (you have to purchase Ukash or Paysafecard card. load it with 100 Euro and enter the code). You can buy the code at any shop or gas station. Ukash is available at the stores nationwide.
When you pay the fine, your browser will be unblocked in 3 to 12 hours after the money is put into the States’s account. Please note: Fine may only be paid within 12 hours. As soon as 12 hours elapse, the possibility to pay the fine expires. All PC data will be detained and criminal procedures will be initiated against you if the fine is not paid.

The EUROPOL Mac OS X lock screen is a scam, and you should ignore any alerts that this malicious software might generate.

Under no circumstance should you send any Ukash code to these cyber criminals, and if you have, you can  should request a refund, stating that you are the victim of a computer virus and scam.

EUROPOL Mac OS X – Virus Removal Guide

To remove the EUROPOL Mac OS X virus from Safari, we will need to reset this browser to its default settings.

  1. Click on the Safari menu and then choose Reset Safari
    [Image: Select Reset Safari from the menu]
  2. In the new windows, ,ake sure all items are marked and click on the Reset button.
    [Image: Reset Safari to default settings]

Alternatively, to remove the EUROPOL MAX OS X virus from your Apple you can follow the instructions from the video below:

That’s it! Your Safari browser should now be free of the EUROPOL Mac OS X infection. Stay safe!

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

5 thoughts on “Remove EUROPOL virus from Apple MAC OS X”

  1. Thanks a lot for this! I am in he middle of an overdue project and got this. And it’s a public holiday.

    At first I couldn’t get to the reset button it was being turned off every time the “police” file page showed. But I force quit Safari and made some very fast mouse movements to get to the reset page before the malware set in. It took several steps but I got it all fixed up ok.

    Really appreciate the help and service! Thanks very much for your help.

  2. Thanks a lot! What i’m wondering is, if this is an actual virus that’s installed on my mac? Because I’d like to thoroughly clean up my mac in that case by deleting the virus itself to prevent this from happening again. Other than that, thanks again, you saved me a huge headache!

  3. Absolutely amazing lesson. I was so scared but you saved me. God bless you. Please can you post the address I can send a donation to. I am so grateful. Thanks so much!

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