Confirm deletion of a threat

[RESMET]

I have had the first level of malwarebytes for some time - for my MacBook Pro (2016).  I use Microsoft office for Macintosh (2016).   Yesterday (7/20/2020) I ran a scan & had a "threat" OSX.Genieo which was quarantined. 

I shut down my computer overnight, restarted this morning & ran another scan. The report indicated no threat and no quarantine.  Later today (7/21/2020) I purchased malwarebytes premium & ran a scan again.  No indication of threat or quarantine.  From what I read online, I think shutting down & restarting my computer caused the quarantined threat to be fully dented.  

I am writing this now to confirm if my understanding is correct.  Thank you...  RESMET

 

[1PW]

Hello @RESMET and

To assist in further analysis, please gather and post in the next reply to this topic:

• macOS System Version and build: Apple menu  -> About This Mac -> System Report... (button) -> (left pane) select Software  -> (right pane) System Version and (build).

e.g. System Version:    macOS 10.15.6 (19G73)

Your assessment is likely spot on.  If you have any additional notes, reports, records or recollections with greater detail, it may be of further help.

Have you recently downloaded/installed any software from the Internet?

Thank you.

Reference: https://blog.malwarebytes.com/detections/osx-genieo/

 

Edited July 21, 2020 by 1PW

[RESMET]

Thank you so much for your replay.  I haven't recently downloaded/installed any software from the internet.

I did try to follow the macOS System Version instructions you sent, but after the System Report button, i got a list headed hardware, not software...?

I did recently update my Microsoft Office software, which comes periodically and has never presented any problem before.  I'm guessing that wouldn't have caused the OSX.Genieo..?

Thanks again,

RESMET

[1PW]

1 hour ago, RESMET said:

I did try to follow the macOS System Version instructions you sent, but after the System Report button, i got a list headed hardware, not software...?

Hello @RESMET:

Yes.  The Software Information list is headed by the major category "Hardware" and the 3rd (last) major category down that same list would be "Software".

Thank you.

[RESMET]

Thanks again.   I got through the panes, but now I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do.  I bet you can tell what a newbie I am .... and a somewhat old one (74) at that.

Do I copy the info in the last pane and paste it into a note to you?  

RESMET

 

[1PW]

Hello @RESMET:

Newbie is another name for expert in training. 🙂

To render the greatest accuracy, just Copy the information after "Software Version:"  Then, Paste it into your next reply to this topic.  Or, simply type the information into your next reply.

That information will let the forum know the exact version/build of the operating system in use.

Thank you.

[Matt1CB]

Question about downloading malwarebytes.  I have a MacBook Air laptop that runs on Windows.  Which do I choose for downloading?  Windows or Mac?  Many thanks

 

[Porthos]

2 hours ago, Matt1CB said:

I have a MacBook Air laptop that runs on Windows.  Which do I choose for downloading?  Windows or Mac?  Many thanks

You need to use the Windows version on the Windows portion.

[RESMET]

This is in answer to 1PW.

Here is the information you said would help:   (Ir doesn't look like any of this is confidential, is it? I did write in "do you need this?" where my full name is indicated.)

System Software Overview:

  System Version: macOS 10.13.6 (17G14019)

  Kernel Version: Darwin 17.7.0

  Boot Volume: Macintosh SSD

  Boot Mode: Normal

  Computer Name: (Do you need this?)

  User Name:  (Do you need this?)

  Secure Virtual Memory: Enabled

  System Integrity Protection: Enabled

  Time since boot: 9:53

And just a bit more about my question.  I think in my original message, I said my computer was bought in 2016.  Actually, it was 2013.

Some points:

In the link you sent me re: OSX.Genieo, it says that malwarebytes for Mac detects and removes it. 

When I look at malwarebytes scan reports, the one on 7-19 which detected this threat still shows "quarantine".  And I'm wondering if that is just history and the threat is now removed.....or is it still lingering in my machine "quarantined" ?   I'm thinking it's just history, but being somewhat compulsive, just wanted to have that validated.

Also, on the screen when I go to malwarebytes it says "Awesome.  Your computer is protected !"  That seems pretty definitive that everything's ok.

So should I just rely now on the conviction that everything's ok; no need to fuss about this anymore...??

Thanks so much for you attention.

RESMET

 

[alvarnell]

Since the file or files that were found are in Quarantine, they are no longer able to run, therefore your computer is OK.

To remove the file or files completely, you need to again click on "Detection History" in the Malwarebytes dashboard display and then click on "Quarantined items" near the top of that window. Now click on the box before each files listed that you want to get rid of so that a √ appears and click the "Delete" button in the lower right corner.

Edited July 22, 2020 by alvarnell

[RESMET]

5 hours ago, Matt1CB said:

This is a thank you note to Macintosh Guru.  (I don't know how a note from Matt got in the middle of this string.

Anyway....Dear Macintosh Guru.  Thank you so much for your advice.  I deleted the Quarantined item and all is now clear. That feels great !

Thanks !

RESMET

 

 

[1PW]

Hello @RESMET:

After following the always welcome and great advice of @alvarnell above, the version of your MacBook Pro's (MBP) High Sierra macOS should be addressed as it is about a dozen updates behind the current Catalina 10.15.6 release.  The lack of that many macOS updates may have contributed, in some part, to your recent OSX.Genieo issue.

If it can be assumed that backups exist for the MBP, macOS updates for the computer may be had by again selecting:

1. Restart the MacBook Pro.  Do not open any applications.
2.  Apple Menu -> About This Mac -> Software Update... (button).
3. A System Preferences' Software Update Window should open and an attempt to update to the latest macOS release should begin.
4. If successful, and a good Internet access exists, the update process will likely take the better part of an hour.
5. Other update and upgrade checks should follow.

Please post a reply to this topic after the OS update process.

Thank you.

[RESMET]

On 7/21/2020 at 7:13 PM, RESMET said:

 

Thanks again, 1PW.   I appreciate your advice, but before I follow your recommendation, I'm wondering if I really need to do the update you recommend.

Every time I receive an update available for software or security from Apple, I do install the update.

Also, there is an outstanding service provider where I live, Apple specialists who work only on Mac computers.  In 2018 they installed a new solid-state drive for me, and made sure everything was updated at that time.  And, as I mentioned,  I have installed all  the updates I receive from Apple.

I've had the free Malwarebytes until just recently, and now have the premium version.  Wouldn't all of this take care of concerns about my "elderly" computer?

As I mentioned, I'm quite elderly myself.

RESMET

[treed]

If your machine is from 2013, it probably won't run the absolute latest version of macOS. Even if it can, although the latest version is always the most secure, I recommend being cautious about upgrading. Make sure that all the software you rely on will work with the upgrade. (In the case of upgrading to macOS Catalina (10.15), many older apps that are "32 bit" will no longer work.) If something you need isn't compatible, don't upgrade until you're ready and have either upgraded or replaced any incompatible software.

If this is more than you feel capable of, you can always make an appointment at the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store (if there's one near you) and go in for guidance. Take your laptop with you so the tech can help you identify apps that won't be compatible.

[RESMET]

Hi, treed.

Thanks so much for your note.  I do have an Apple store quite near me, but it's always so jammed, I wouldn't go there now - what with the pandemic.  Although they may be spacing customers with social distancing in mind.  ??  But... there is an independent computer repair store (also very near) which handles only Apple products, and it's a much more relaxed atmosphere.  I've had them do some work, and upgrades, for me before..... very reputable, very skilled, very kind.     The only problem there is that they currently have limited accessibility - again due to the pandemic.  I've left them a voice mail message, and I'll see how quickly they respond.  

In the meantime, my computer is behaving quite well....pretty sprightly for an old workhorse.  And with Malwarebytes premium scanning very morning, I feel reasonably secure.  I hope I'm not just whistling into the wind.

RESMET

[1PW]

Hello @RESMET:

In the event that any tech will want to re-install/update macOS, a very recent full backup is your insurance policy against crucial data loss.

If the MBP has any keyboard, temperature or battery etc. issues, now would be an excellent time to have those areas serviced.

Please let us know if the forum can assist you further.

[RESMET]

Thanks to one and all....1PW, treed, and alvernell.   I feel so much more confident now that I have a place to turn with my questions.

I think we've covered everything for now.  THANKS  again !!!!

RESMET