How to Stop a Mac Computer Attack

• If a pop-up on your Mac screen declares you have malware, you probably don't — more likely it's a scammer's come-on. Your response: Right-click on the browser's icon in the dock and close the browser completely.

• Mac or PC, a safer computer comes from a safe user. So never click on links in emails from strangers or that you encounter on questionable websites — even if the links promise "secret" videos of celebrities or of yourself (you're often said to be in a compromising situation). And don't fall for emails supposedly from your bank or credit card company asking you to provide personal information.
  

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Sid Kirchheimer is the author of Scam-Proof Your Life, published by AARP Books/Sterling.